Halloween is Knocking at the Door
Prepared by: Abby Wilson, RDN, LD, CDE
Ghosts and goblins, spooks galore… Halloween candy will soon be at your door….
All Hallows Eve brings out the spookiest of ghouls, stealthiest of ninjas, and the most spectacular heroes and heroines. Unfortunately, it can also bring out the highest of blood sugars! Halloween can be a very difficult for families living with diabetes. This doesn’t mean you or your child have to miss out on the treats. Here are 3 tips to keep those blood sugars from causing toil and trouble:
- Eat candy like a boss: Pick out your favorites and get rid of the rest. Together, search through your child’s Halloween loot and encourage them to only keep treats they actually enjoy. Help them spread out their favorite goodies across several days after Halloween.
- Find fun-size: A common ghost story in diabetes is that sugar is off limits… but actually, all foods fit! Use carbohydrate counting to work Halloween treats in on your own, or your child’s, meal plan. Fun-size candy bars contain about 10-15 grams of carbohydrate. Pairing the 15-gram carbohydrate sweet treat with a balanced meal that includes some protein, non-starchy veggies, and fat can help with blood sugar management. But don’t get tricked by the treat—check the nutrition facts label just in case or use this handy quick reference guide for Halloween candy to make sure you have accounted for all carbs.
- Apple Mummies and Kiwi Witches’ Brew: Halloween treats don’t have to be candy or gummies! Wow, visitors can come with ghoulish, creative, and nutritious snacks. A quick search for healthy Halloween treats on Pinterest can do magic or you can find some fun treats here.
Halloween is full of fun and can be very busy. Sometimes, high blood sugars happen. Don’t get spooked or chilled by surprise—remember to check those blood sugars and take diabetes medications as prescribed.
...Jack-O-Lanterns shining bright, your registered dietitian wishes you a haunting night!