By Jill Sperling

Kamloops dietitian provides tips to limit Halloween sweets

Nov 2, 2016 | 11:37 AM

KAMLOOPS — Halloween is over, but chances are the piles of candy collected through trick-or-treating haven’t run out just yet. Now, parents are faced with the challenge of managing their children’s stash of sugary snacks. 

While it’s tempting for children to eat candy at all times of the day, Interior Health registered dietitian Simone Jennings suggests parents should set limits on candy consumption, bringing it out only as an occasional snack or dessert.

“One main thing with kids snacking on candy between meals is when they come to the table for their meal when they should be eating their nutritious food they’re probably not going to be hungry,” Jennings said. “The candy can ultimately replace the healthy food in their diet. As well, snacking on candy all day long can have some really negative impacts on your teeth.”

Jennings also suggests adding leftover candies like Smarties or M&M’s to healthier snacks, like trail mix. She says candy could also be saved for future special occasions like Christmas or birthdays. 

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Halloween candy rationing can teach children a valuable lesson in making healthy choices, especially when given the opportunity to set their own limits. However, younger children may need a bit more incentive to put the candy away.

“You can have them sit down, sort their candy, and pick out the things they absolutely love, their favourites,” Jennings said. “The rest of their candy you can offer to trade them for maybe a small toy they’ve had their eye on, or a fun experience like a trip to the wildlife park, or to the pool. That way that will really help limit the amount of candy they’re going to have access to in the upcoming days.”