How to prevent excessive sugar consumption on Halloween

  • Opt for healthy alternatives such as fruits and low-sugar snacks.
  • Regulate the amount of sweets consumed and divide them up over several days.
  • Include alternative activities to eating sweets, such as crafts or games.
  • Check nutritional labels to monitor the sugar content of foods.

Marshmallow

There is no doubt that sweets and candy are the main protagonists. Halloween. Every year, millions of children dress up and roam the streets with enthusiasm, knocking on doors and saying “trick or treat” to fill their bags with candy. However, this fun-filled festival also raises a major concern: excessive sugar consumption and its potential consequences for children’s health.

In this article you will find Valuable tips to control the consumption of sweets On this special night, healthy alternatives to enjoy with the family and recommendations to avoid problems related to sugar.

Tips to control candy consumption on Halloween

candies

1. Offer healthy alternatives to sweets

An effective way to reduce sugar consumption is to replace typical sweets with healthier options such as fruits, nuts o low sugar snacks. For example, Mandarin oranges decorated as pumpkins, carrot "fingers" pretending to be terrifying or Bananas turned into ghosts They can be creative and healthy options.

Also, if you are hosting on Halloween, you could surprise the little guests with homemade recipes of pumpkin pies or cookies with shapes alluding to this holiday. This way you not only help reduce sugar consumption but also encourage creativity in the kitchen.

2. Moderate the amount of sweets you eat

It is important to teach children to enjoy Halloween candy with moderation. A good practice is to set clear limits on the amount of sweets they can eat per day. You can encourage them to select their own favorite sweets instead of consuming everything they have collected.

Another option is to turn these treats into “prizes” that children can earn by completing certain tasks, such as picking up their toys or helping around the house. This way, not only is sugar consumption controlled, but positive habits are also reinforced.

3. Alternative activities to enjoy Halloween

Halloween doesn't have to be limited to candy. There are plenty of ways to treat yourself. activities that can complement the experience of dressing up and trick-or-treating. For example, organizing workshops to create spooky decorations, tell scary stories or make crafts can be a fun and enriching alternative.

Another great idea is to cook themed recipes together like these decorated cookies or try some healthy options like chia desserts, adapting them to the Halloween theme.

Why it is important to limit excessive sugar consumption

Avoid excessive sugar consumption

Excessive sugar poses multiple health risks for children. Sweets not only contain high levels of sugar, but also preservatives, artificial coloring and saturated fats. Excessive consumption can cause:

  • Dental problems: Sugar contributes to cavities and other oral problems, especially if you eat sticky sweets that stay on your teeth.
  • Childhood obesity: Regular consumption of processed foods rich in simple sugars can lead to unhealthy weight gain.
  • Long-term impacts: Diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol are associated with a diet rich in sugars and fats.

Therefore, limiting the consumption of sweets during events such as Halloween helps protect children's health, avoiding both short- and long-term problems.

How much sugar can children consume?

Recommended amount of sugar

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the daily amount of sugar that children over 2 years old should consume should not exceed 10% of your total caloric intakeThis is equivalent to approximately 25 grams of sugar per day (about 5 or 6 teaspoons).

For children under 2 years old, the recommendation is completely avoid added sugarsThis includes both sweets and other processed foods that may contain sugar. It is important to always check the nutritional labels of products to find out their sugar content.

How to control sugar consumption during Halloween?

Some helpful strategies include:

  • Splitting consumption: Allows children to enjoy small portions of treats over several days.
  • Combine with water: Accompany sweets with water to help clean sugar residue in the mouth and keep children hydrated.
  • Prepare homemade snacks: Opt for homemade options such as pumpkin cookies, which may contain less added sugars and be just as delicious.
amount of sugar children should consume
Related article:
How much sugar should children consume and how does it affect their health?

Involving children in planning these healthy alternatives can be very beneficial in teaching them responsible eating habits from a young age.

On days like Halloween, it's crucial to find a balance between enjoying the holiday and taking care of your health. By instilling awareness and setting clear boundaries, little ones can enjoy the magic of this night without putting their well-being at risk.


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