It seems everyone has a favorite Halloween candy. The most popular candies in Illinois are Sour Patch Kids, Kit Kats, and Starbursts. My favorite traditional Halloween candy is Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. What about you?
Americans bought 600 million pounds of Halloween candy last year. This excessive candy intake is so ingrained in our culture that we may not think much about it, but what is it doing to our bodies?
Halloween is the first in a series of high-sugar holidays. It is also around the start of the dreaded flu season. Could there be a connection between these things? After all, sugar wreaks havoc in our bodies.
Let’s make a plan so you can enjoy the holidays in a way that cares for your physical body too.
The Flu Season Myth
Why do we see more flu cases during the fall and winter months when germs for the flu are around all year? I love how Dr. Angie Elliot explains this phenomenon in her article “There’s No Such Thing As ‘Flu Season’.”
Elliot asks us to consider what would happen if we plant a seed without offering it water, light, or air. Would it grow? No, it would not be able to grow under those conditions. Next, she asks us to "consider your body equivalent to soil and a virus or bacteria as the seed. If you planted that seed in your body right now, could it grow?" She explains, "Many people get sick with colds or the flu this time of year because the condition of their body is primed for pathogens to thrive and grow.”
Things That Stress the Body
Once you identify factors that impact your immune system, you will be empowered to create an environment where germs can NOT thrive. Some things are obvious, while others are more subtle; you may not even realize they are causing harm.
- Lack of Sleep
- Dehydration
- Mental & emotional stress
- Financial stress
- Relational stress
- Vitamin & mineral deficiencies
- And sugar!
As the holidays approach, these factors tend to increase. The demands of the holidays may cause tension in our relationships and keep us from getting the sleep we need. Holiday treats and alcohol may replace things that would be better for our bodies.
Finding Balance
Striving for balance and making decisions intentionally can help us enjoy the holidays. Consider the list above and think about your greatest challenges during the holidays. Perhaps you are constantly fatigued and would benefit from saying "no" to some activities. Maybe stress impacts your relationship, and it could help to set aside time for those you love. If there is a strain on your finances having a conversation about expectations might help.
One of the biggest struggles at Halloween can be the candy. Sugar causes an inflammatory response, and when the body is chronically inflamed it suppresses the immune system. This leaves you vulnerable to infection and disease. Sugar also creates unbalanced gut bacteria, which affects your immune system. Since 70-80% of your immune system is based in your gut, it is crucial to have a balance of healthy gut bacteria.
Remember, we want to be intentional and strive for balance. We do not want to get into an all-or-nothing mindset. The following ideas can help you come up with a plan that feels right to you.
What to do About Halloween
Here are some things that you can do to have a healthier Halloween. (Consider picking even 2-3.)
- Read the Ingredients - Take a look at the ingredient list. Remember high fructose corn syrup, food coloring, and hydrogenated oils are NOT REAL FOODS. Reading these ingredients each time you eat them can help you begin to view processed food (e.g. a Snickers Bar) more like an object (e.g. a spiral notebook) than food.
- Pass out something besides candy - One of my favorite houses to trick-or-treat at growing up had a jar of foreign coins. The top of the jar was small, but they allowed you to take anything you could grab between your fingers. It was fun to see the foreign currency and figure out what country it was from.
- Get candy that doesn't tempt you - If you pass out your favorite candy, you will be more tempted to eat it. Choose to give out candy that is less appealing to you, so the temptation isn’t as great. It will likely be someone else's favorite.
- Set a limit for yourself and stick to it - Early in the day, decide how many pieces of candy you want to eat. Set that amount aside so you don't unconsciously grab pieces from the bowl without realizing it.
- Go for a walk - It might be a little chilly out, but it is a great day to go outside to chat with your neighbors. This way you are being social, moving your body, and not thinking about that bowl of candy.
- Eat a healthy lunch and dinner (and have healthy snacks available) - Focus on good quality proteins and fats that will stay with you longer, keeping you full and satisfied. Do not pass out candy (or trick-or-treat) on an empty stomach. And keep healthy snacks out and available throughout the evening.
- Get the candy out of site - make a plan to get rid of excess candy or put it in a place where it won't tempt you. Some people give a portion to local first responders, donate it to a food pantry, or let the "Switch Witch" take it. Be sure to consider your child's feelings. It can be easier to limit the length of time you trick-or-treat than it is to take their candy.
I hope you feel empowered to make wise choices as you enjoy the holidays in a way that supports your health!
Dr. Jamie
P.S. Check this out if you are interested in the most popular candy in other states Most Popular Halloween Candy.