Halloween Candy: What's A Parent To Do?

October is a fun time to revel in the crisp fall weather and colors, dress up in costumes, and enjoy the company of friends and family.  In American culture, it is also a time when candies, created with industrial food additives, inundate our society.  Running errands, we may easily find a dish of candy awaiting at most every stop – the bank, hairdresser, auto repair, and even the doctor’s office.  What’s a caring parent or a sugar addict to do? Here are tricks to help you manage your treats.

Leave the house satisfied

We crave sugar when we have insufficient fat in our diet.  One of the best ways to avoid nibbling sweets is to eat rich, fat filled meals before you leave the house. Take the time to enjoy some avocado, bacon or eggs in the morning. If you tolerate dairy, add organic full fat yogurt or cottage cheese to your lunch. Choose raw dairy if it is available. Snack on my delicious No Bake Lemon Coconut Drops to satisfy your need for fat with a hint of sweet.

Have snacks with you

Great news, the cooler weather means we can more easily get away with having foods available on the go.  Either in a purse or bag or in the car – tucked under the seat, in the glove box, or in a box in the trunk, savory snacks can save you when you’re out and about.

My favorite, go-to, portable snacks:

• Crispy nuts
• Canned sardines or mackerel from Vital Choice Seafood
• Beef Jerky
• Sliced cheese with crackers, apple slices, or other favorite pairings
• Smoothie – sometimes there is a little leftover from the morning or the day before.  Just pour some into a portable jar or your favorite spill proof mug, and you’re golden while stuck in traffic or running errands.

The Hungry Goblin, Candy Fairy or Great Pumpkin

For those of you with children, consider letting them select a specific number of candies from the trick or treat booty.  Then have them set out their remaining candies for the Hungry Goblin, Candy Fairy or Great Pumpkin to come and eat. In trade for your child’s candy, this Halloween Visitor leaves behind a small gift your child will have fun playing with or treasure. If you or your child is on the GAPS protocol, leave all the candy. A few organic, GAPS legal sweeties may be left for children who gave up all of their trick or treat tasties. The candies would be gone in days or weeks with lingering ill health effects. The gift, however may be played with for months or cherished for years. A joy your family can share together.

This article appeared in the October 2014 Savor Your Health Newsletter. Sign up in the Sidebar to get more tips, tricks and delicious recipes delivered to your inbox every month.