Halloween is the festival of pumpkins, costumes… and above all, candy! But between the rounds of treats and the bags full of sweets at home, the risk of overconsumption is very real. “Halloween is a joyous holiday, but we can quickly fall into excess sugar.” warns Eva Vacheau, dietitian-nutritionist. She gives her practical advice for reconciling pleasure and balance.
Don’t demonize candy, but learn to manage it
Banning candy would be a mistake, according to the specialist. “I am a mother myself. My son asked me for candy because at the leisure center they offered it. It would be frustrating and counterproductive to ban them completely.”
Breaking down one evening is therefore ok.
The idea, she emphasizes, is rather to learn to choose and consume intelligently. “Even so-called organic, natural or artificial coloring candies contain very fast sugars.she explains. So you might as well be careful. These sugars, glucose syrup, fructose, dextrose, sucrose, cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly before causing a sudden drop.
Result : “The more we eat, the more we want to eat it again. It’s a real vicious circle“, she observes.
Even if it means going crazy, which sweets should you choose?
First instinct for parents: look at the list of ingredients. “Ingredients are listed from most present to least present. If the first words are “glucose-fructose syrup” or “corn syrup,” it’s added sugar.”explains the nutritionist.
It is therefore better to favor candies with a short composition: sugar, gelatin, natural flavors, fruit concentrates. As for the organic versions, they may have a slight interest, and again: “they often contain as much sugar, but fewer additives, at least.”
Without being “good” for your health, certain candies are a little less problematic. “Gummy candies, like crocodiles, have the advantage of staying longer in the mouth, so children often eat less of them.notes the nutritionist. On the other hand, very sour candies or multi-colored lollipops should be avoided: “They contain additives, colorings and acidifiers that can damage tooth enamel.”
What about sugar-free candies then? Not necessarily better. “They often contain polyols like sorbitol or maltitol, which can cause bloating or diarrhea.”warns Eva Vacheau. As for sweeteners, they maintain the taste for sweetness and the addiction that goes with it. “It is not a miracle solution, rather a one-off alternative for adults.”
Tips for an evening without overdose
The secret to avoiding the sugar crisis on Halloween night? Anticipate. “Before going candy hunting, offer a small meal rich in protein and vegetables”advises Eva Vacheau.
- A complete sandwich with hard-boiled eggs or chicken, accompanied by a few cherry tomatoes or carrots to munch on, is enough to satisfy children (and older ones). “That way, they don’t leave on an empty stomach and will be less likely to overindulge in candy.”
- Another idea: parade around with a bottle of water. “Sugar dehydrates, so always have a little water in the bag.”she recalls.
- And above all, we regulate consumption. Candy can be authorized over two or three days, October 31, November 1 and 2, time to enjoy the fruit of your harvest. “And then we put them away.“
- Finally, the last essential reflex: brushing your teeth as soon as you get home, to avoid cavities.
In conclusion, Halloween should remain a time of fun and sharing. “The important thing is to supervise without frustrating, to choose a little better… and to move on once the party is over.”
Trick or treat? Here we go!