Do dietitians hate Halloween?

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NO! I will never be the trick or treat house that gives away tooth brushes or pencils. Dietitians like candy too..especially chocolate (And if you want to send some to me here in VA be my guest.Reese's preferred.). What really counts during holidays where sugary treats are the focus is moderation and boundaries.

I won't sit here and say there are no bad foods. Trans fats are bad for your body period! But as a general Halloween rule, candy is fine. It's a treat. So let's put the candy in perspective.

How much candy equals 100 calories? -Hershey's Bliss Dark Chocolate 3 pieces -Hershey's Bliss Milk Chocolate 2 -Kisses 4 -Reese's mini peanut butter cups 2 -York peppermint patties mini 2 -Jolly Ranchers 4 -Good and Plenty 23 -Almond Joy snack size 1=80 cal -Mr. Goodbar snack size 1=90 cal

2 or so snack sized candies on Halloween won't ruin your healthy eating habits for life. You won't gain a pound from candy in moderation in a single night (That would mean you would have to eat about 35 almond joys to get to 3500 calories, or 1 pound). But keep this in mind: Really enjoy the treats you select. Make your treat worth it to eat the candy of your choice. You are in no way obligated to eat sugar on Halloween or eat the candy your kids bring back. How are you going to feel tomorrow if you are nursing a candy hang over since you skipped lunch and dinner?

What it boils down to is your choice. Respect your indulgences and your health. Do you pass out candy? What's your policy? -Carlene