The kids probably have their Halloween costumes picked out and visions of that giant haul of trick-or-treat candy, but do you as a parent have a strategy to keep your little ghouls from going on a frightening gorge fest? You might want to think about it - according to a report in the San Francisco Chronicle, the average jack-o-lantern bucket can hold enough of those small candies to equal 9,000 calories (that's the recommended calorie total for an adult for 4.5 days), plus 200 grams of fat and 1,500 grams of sugar.
With Halloween being a fairly affordable event that promotes family bonding, experts expect no shortage of candy even if things are a bit blood-curdling in the economy this year. Candy sales are expected to rise to $2.26 billion from $2.20 billion a year ago.
"The trick is to plan ahead, making sure that children do not overindulge in sweets," said Kara Freeman a registered dietitian and president of the California Dietetic Association. "While we do not want to take the fun of candy out of the festivities, parents also need to be aware that Halloween kicks off the holiday season, which is usually filled with sweets and other indulgences. Parents and kids alike need to keep treats in moderation."
To help guide parents, the California Dietetic Association has teamed up with the California Milk Processors Board on a top-10 list of candy-controlling strategies.
Here's a sampling of the ideas:
-- Make sure the kids get a nutritious dinner before they go out. Dieticians say that will reduce children's appetites for candy that night.
--Consider handing out nonfood treats, such as school supplies like pencils and erasers or small toys.
-- Set a good example by keeping your own candy consumption under control.
With obesity and type 2 diabetes soaring among children, getting into good habits now can help save them from a truly scary future
