This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified healthcare practitioner before engaging in physical activity or making any changes to your diet, medications, or lifestyle.
Halloween is here, so you know what that means – it’s time for you and your kids to pick up a last-minute costume (if you haven’t already!) and stock up on Halloween candy.
However, once your kids have been around the neighborhood and come home with their loot bag, many parents wonder how much candy their kids should eat.
Before you let your costumed kids dive into their candy bounty, consider some helpful strategies to keep them from turning into candy monsters.
In an interview with Yahoo CanadaRegistered Dietitian Abbey Sharp talks about managing children’s candy consumption and shares techniques to keep the holidays fun and relaxing.
“While I know a lot of parents are completely freaked out by their kids gorging on sugar and eating all their Halloween candy in one night, I actually think we should see this as a learning opportunity to help our children to work on their intuitive eating skills,” says Sharp.
Should parents limit children’s Halloween candy? Why do parents worry about their children’s sugar consumption?
According to Sharp, many parents worry that their children won’t be able to contain themselves around their candy, leading to sugar spikes and hyperactive behavior.
“Most parents worry that kids won’t be able to control themselves around candy, and binge for weeks after Halloween and never eat another vegetable again,” Sharp says.
“But research suggests that the more we make new or banned foods like candy, the more likely children are to eat too much of them,” she adds.
“Research suggests that the more new or banned foods we make like candy, the more likely children are to eat too much of them.”Sharp Abbey
Additionally, the mother-of-two thinks parents should use Halloween as an “educational tool” to become aware of how food makes their children feel.
“Halloween can be a very important educational tool in helping our children understand the impact food has on them…while I think most parents limit our children’s access to Halloween candy, it can often backfire and contribute to a lifelong obsession with sweets,” Sharp adds a YouTube video on the subject.
How much candy should kids eat on Halloween? Should parents manage their children’s sugar intake?
Simply put, Sharp doesn’t believe parents should manage their children’s sugar intake. That said, she recommends a protocol that parents use during Halloween.
“On Halloween night, feed them a balanced dinner with plenty of fiber, protein, and satiating fats. Once they’ve brought their loot home, let them eat as much as they want tonight. there,” says Sharp. “If they complain of a stomach ache, use that as a teachable moment.”
After Halloween, the dietitian suggests breaking down how often and when children have access to their candy.
“The day or two after Halloween, choose a snack time and allow them to choose what they want in their bag without limiting the quantity. It reminds them that candy is not so special after all, so it deprives them their charm,” she added. Explain.
After a few days of this habituation, Sharp says most children will lose interest in eating large amounts of candy.
Is there anything parents should avoid when it comes to Halloween candy?
Sharp believes in letting kids have (relatively) free reign over their candy.
But when it comes to Halloween candy, she has an important message for parents themselves who might be on a diet during spooky season — “don’t buy candy you don’t like.”
“Diets will tell you to only buy the sweets you don’t like so you won’t be tempted to eat them. and to your body,” Sharp says. “If you love Mini Snickers, buy Mini Snickers. A daily Halloween candy is good for the soul.”
The five-step system for Halloween
Sharp’s methods include a five-step system for getting the most out of Halloween as a family – candy included.
1. Enjoy the night with the family
According to Sharp, not only is Halloween a great educational tool, but it’s also a great fun way to get active with the family.
“If your living situation permits, avoid driving from neighborhood to neighborhood for the ‘good candy’ and instead take the opportunity to stroll around the neighborhood with your family,” she suggests.
“Allow your kids two to three days of unlimited access to candy. Here we teach kids that it’s not special or new, it’s not worth hiding or gorging on.”Sharp Abbey
2. Let the kids sort and eat whatever they want on Halloween night
“Once your kids come home from a trick or treat, they’ll inevitably want to sort out and brag about their loot to their siblings, and they’ll want to try it. Let them,” Sharp reveals .
The dietitian also says you don’t want to stop your kids from sugar, even if they’re eating what you perceive to be a lot of sweets, which “is totally fine because it’s just one night.” .
3. Plan two to three days of unlimited access
Sharp says children need consistency so they learn that candy is nothing special and that we can use our bodies to tell us when we’ve had enough.
“Allow your kids two to three days of unlimited access to candy. Here we teach kids that it’s not worth hiding or gorging on,” she says. “After three days, the excitement starts to fade and children can understand that eating a lot of sugar doesn’t make us feel good. They will start eating less candy without any prompting or restriction.”
5. Serve the Balance
Around Halloween, make sure the meals and snacks you serve are generally well balanced.
“A good idea is to send your kids off with a full stomach, a complete and balanced meal, think roast chicken with broccoli and sweet potatoes,” Sharp recommends, but notes that your meal may vary depending on your diet. . limitations.
General tips for parents on Halloween
“The best advice I can give parents when it comes to Halloween candy and your kids is to just relax. It’s one day of the year, so let’s not let our own food blockages rub off. on our children,” said Sharp.
In addition, the dietitian adds that the way we talk about food matters.
“Don’t call loot ‘junk’, ‘toxic’, ‘poison’ or ‘bad food’. Call each candy by its name – it’s a mini candy bar, candy corn or crisps,” says -she. “Language matters, and it’s important that we speak in morally neutral terms if we want our children to have a morally neutral relationship with food.”
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