Being Smart About Halloween Candy

As Halloween approaches, people stock up on candy for trick-or-treaters. But is there a kind of candy that is better for you than others? Vanessa Imus, a registered dietitian at the Weight Loss Management Center at UW Medical Center Roosevelt-Clinic, says avoid anything that's pure sugar.

"If you were going to go for M&Ms, go for a peanut M&M. Something that’s got a little fat, a little protein like a Snickers, or even a Reese’s because that’s going to help slow down how quickly the sugar goes into their bloodstream."

Imus also says it's important to read nutrition labels, so you know what you're consuming.

At this time of year, it's also important to moderate consumption.

"Being as it is getting into cold and flu season is because sugar causes some inflammation, it depresses your immune system, so definitely be aware if your kiddos have a cold or they’re sick, really
try to limit that sugar intake."

Some strategies people use is you can trade in a certain amount of candy for a toy, so maybe you know your child wants a specific toy or this game or they want to go to the zoo, okay this will cost you 10 pieces of candy and then they have a trade in for that toy or that activity.