Sugar Smart: Healthy Kids for Halloween

How many grams of added sugar is recommended for a child? Aim for less than 25 grams (about 6 teaspoons) of added sugar per day for children 2 years of age and older. Avoid serving food and drinks with added sugar to children under 2 years of age. Serve water and milk instead of soda, sports drinks, sweet tea, sweetened coffee, and fruit drinks. Read more suggestions at myfitnesspal. 

Benjamin T. Bikman, BYU Professor of the Department of Cell Biology specializes in blood glucose issues and insulin resistance. He shares these ideas for managing Halloween Treats:

“Kids will likely binge on sweets in the evening which leads to elevated blood sugar levels, which results in poor sleep. To help kids sleep better, parents could help their kids separate out their treats to minimize the sugar they eat at night. “

Parents could let the child eat candy on Halloween Night, and then the child leaves most of the candy out on the doorstep that night. Overnight, the Great Pumpkin (i.e., of Charlie Brown fame) comes and replaces the candy with toys or other gifts. This strategy incentivizes the kids to willingly give up their candy, rather than the parents having to forcefully take it. “

What other ideas do you have or can share with others to ensure a happy and healthier Halloween experience for our children? Make sure they are first given a healthy meal (including fiber and proteins) so that they won’t be so hungry and inclined to binge on the candy.