Halloween is right around the corner! Dressing up in costumes is fun but we all know the best part of Halloween is the candy! There are adults that feel it is their duty to hand out something more healthy. Some turn to raisins as an alternative option for sugary candy. There are many alternatives out there made with less sugar or natural sweeteners like dark chocolate, or with vitamins added. These choices claim to be better for you but what do nutritionists have to say?
Candy is never and will never be broccoli. There are some candies out there that promote added vitamins and prebiotics or probiotics. Registered nutritionist, Amanda Frankeny, points out that they are still "sugar-covered calories making the tiniest nutritional contribution to what you need for the day." No matter what the label says, you can't replace the nutrition you get from vegetables.
Remember, moderation is key. When it comes to sweets, nutrition experts say to use restraint when enjoying those treats and buzzwords don't make them any healthier. Words like "sugar-free," "keto," "low-carb" and "superfood" doesn't necessarily mean they are better for you. Frankeny says that labels can sound nutritious but too much of any type of candy is not good for you. She says too much candy "can lead to cavities and poor nutrition."
Registered dietician, Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, says to encourage a healthy relationship with sweets. If you withhold real candy from young ones they will sneak it when you are not around and probably eat too much. "People who celebrate eating candy rather than thinking of it as a guilty pleasure are less likely to have body image issues or worry about overdoing it," explains Frankeny.
Of course some people may benefit from healthier candies. For instance, people with diabetes might want an option that contains less sugar or is sugar free.
Beckerman says, "Halloween comes once a year and should be enjoyed as is, without making nutritional modifications, if possible." For people who don't have food allergies, medical issues or sensitivities, live it up and enjoy the holiday!