Halloween Hauntings and Sugar Demons

The average child will eat about 3 cups of sugar on Halloween, which results in almost 16 times the recommended amount of sugar they should consume (according to 2013 data collected by Coupon Follow). With this increased consumption comes an acutely weakened immune system and potential behavioral outbursts. These effects can last days to weeks. Long term problems with increased intake of sweets and highly processed carbohydrates are neurodegeneration, memory decline, parkinson’s, mood disorders, hormone disorders, along with a multitude of other health concerns.
 
If Halloween is truly a “treat” night in your house, the likelihood of this indulgent evening affecting the systems mentioned above for an extended period of time is minimal.  Now, if there is a year round treat bowl sitting out that regularly needs refilled, it may be a good time to take note of how that candy and processed sugar are impacting your health. 

Here are a few easy tips for lessening these sugar demons as we head into what is hands down the most indulgent time of the year: 

1. Try out the “Switch Witch” on Halloween. This sweet little witch flies into your house on Halloween night and replaces the bags and bowls of candy with an equally sweet small gift. 
2. Allow your child (and yourself) a limit on the amount of candy that will be kept in a “safe place” + out of site and to be enjoyed only on special occasions
3. Fill up prior to beggar’s night on a protein and veggie rich meal, incorporating a few of your child’s favorites. A family favorite in our house is “Mac n’ Cheese and Trees” (aka broccoli) served along with tree stumps (aka chicken sausages cut up). Encourage hydration also during times of indulging in sweets. 

Most importantly, enjoy beggars night and this beautiful season we are in. Encourage the focus in the coming months to be on memories and togetherness instead of material things and favorite dishes.  Allowing treats, by simply keeping them as treats will make every holiday that much sweeter.