Halloween Health: How to Savor the Season Without Sugar Overload
It’s that time of year again!
Halloween has arrived, and with it come all the ghouls, ghosts, and sugar-packed treats. We’ve always loved Halloween, especially seeing all of the local children dressed up and enjoying the fun. But while we love the festivities, I’m less thrilled about the sugar and artificial ingredients that fill those treat bags. I’ve always made sure to have better options in my treat bag like granola bars, fruit roll ups, and plain chocolate.
Unfortunately, many candies are loaded with high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, and dyes, all of which burden the liver and can create a “toxic storm” in the body.
High fructose corn syrup, commonly found in candies and soft drinks, is a major contributor to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and increases the risk of diabetes and obesity in children. Beyond that, a sugar rush weakens the immune system, leads to insulin resistance, and keeps you craving more. Sugar even fuels harmful bacteria and parasites, increasing the likelihood of illness. There is no surprise that the flu rates rise after the first sugar laden holiday in the fall!
p.s. anything on the ingredient list ending in ‘ose’ is sugar.
If you’re over 40, this will further add to your already burdened liver!
So, while we don’t want to deprive ourselves or our kids of a little holiday indulgence, we can still protect our health. Here are some easy tips to support your body through Halloween (and beyond!):
- Eat antioxidant-rich foods like blackberries, wild blueberries, cranberries, and goji berries. These help the liver detoxify and manage the additional load of Halloween treats.
- Boost Vitamin D intake as we head into shorter days with less sunlight, helping to fortify your immune system. Be sure to ask to have your levels tested if you live in Canada! You’ll have to pay a small amount but your health is worth it!
- Incorporate Vitamin C through foods like bell peppers, broccoli, and strawberries or with a supplement, which will keep your immune defences up.
- Enjoy fermented foods such as kimchi, yogurt, and sauerkraut, or take a daily probiotic to increase good gut bacteria, supporting your body in defending against harmful bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
So, enjoy Halloween and its treats in moderation!
At my house, Halloween candy excitement usually lasts a day or two before it mysteriously disappears from sight.
For those looking to create healthier treats at home, check out my healthy treat recipe book for delicious, family-friendly recipes that make healthy eating as enjoyable as it is beneficial.
And in my next blog, I’ll cover some simple sugar substitutes and share a chocolate treat recipe that’s perfect for the whole family!
Linda Ljucovic, Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist