A Healthy Halloween: “Tricks” for Managing “Treats”
Parents know that there is a spooky amount of information (and misinformation) out there about the effects of candy, sugar, and artificial dyes. It can feel overwhelming to know if you’re making the right choices for your child during this time of year when an entire holiday is focused on sweets! Here are a few tips to help:
o Yes, there is research supporting the association between artificial dyes and child behavior. However, it’s important to notice how candy, sugar, and treats may uniquely affect your child’s attention and behavior! Moderation can be a familiar friend this time of year!
o Decide your family’s boundaries related to having treats when they are in abundance. It can be hard to make decisions in the moment when there is sugar galore! So, figuring this out ahead of time can help make it easier for everyone. Talk with your family about what feels right. Remember that not everyone will manage this time of year the same way, and that’s okay!
o Balance treats with other types of nutritious snacks, as your finances, dietary restrictions, and preferences allow. It might not be realistic to have a 1:1 ratio of treats to healthier snacks, but it can be helpful to add an extra fruit or veggie in a school lunch, or to plan a nutritious dinner if you know your child will be having treats during their eating routine on a given day. Here are some snack ideas from a registered dietitian at Cincinnati Children’s, Amy Reed, MS, RD, CSP, LD: Home-Prepared and Store-Bought On-The-Go Snack Ideas
o Consider the “fun factor”; can you develop a special candy selection process? Maybe a piece or two in a school lunch, a choice when getting home from school, a post-dinner treat, or as part of family movie night. Think about how this can add to the fun!
o Participate in physical movement as a family! Sometimes walks or playing a game outside are more realistic for families, others may prefer a dance party at home (maybe to some Halloween music!). Either way, there are opportunities to move and take care of your physical health while also enjoying treats!
o Recognize that traditions such as Halloween can be a fun time for the whole family without fear of sugar and without overindulgence! This can be a good time for children to learn how to have a healthy relationship with food choices, and to heal this relationship as adults too! You’re all learning as you go!
Note: It is recommended that you consult with your medical doctor if there are health concerns related to sugar/artificial dyes, or with a certified nutritionist to explore additional individualized information related to health and wellness.
Wishing you the right amount of tricks AND treatsthis Halloween season!
-Dr. Libby Wertz, and the Viewpoint Team
If you want to work with Dr. Wertz or one of our therapists, fill out our online intake form hereor call our intake coordinator, Kim, at 859.594.7346to get started today!
Full article link: Miller, M. D., Steinmaus, C., Golub, M. S., Castorina, R., Thilakartne, R., Bradman, A., & Marty, M. A. (2022). Potential impacts of synthetic food dyes on activity and attention in children: a review of the human and animal evidence. Environmental health : a global access science source, 21(1), 45. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-022-00849-9
