Up level Your Halloween with healthier halloween treats and help your body this season stay strong and healthy. I find it no coincidence that cold and flu season begins right after Halloween.
Halloween, is easily the most exciting celebration for children with the anticipation of the costumes, parties, and candy. October marks the beginning of cold and flu season. It’s worth thinking about how the treats we indulge in affect our bodies.
The traditional high-sugar, dairy-laden sweets are fun in the moment, but they not only suppress our immune system, they also make our bodies more susceptible to catching a cold or flu during this time of year. Who wants to be sick this time of year? None of us do because right after Halloween comes Thanksgiving, Hannukah, Christmas, etc, no one want to be sick
Back story:
Every year it was inevitable that if not one or all my kids would be sick after Halloween and then we would go into the holidays with sharing the colds and the flus around the house. What changed it for me was when I sat my kids down and explained to them the why we are not going to sit and take that pillowcase full of candy and eat it for the coming months.
I allowed them to pick 20 pieces of candy and the rest, ironically, we would donate it. Sometimes we would take it to the hospitals, which now does not make sense. But eventually I would just throw it out. What Halloween is about is the dressing up, celebration with friends, collecting of the candy, and trick or treating. So, if we have conversations with our kids beforehand and when you are consistent and they know we are not keeping all of it, and by giving it away, on some level it makes them feel better.
Another great idea that my assistant Erin, that has 3 kids, shared is she allows her kids to trade her candy in for money so they can buy a toy at the store.
It’s an understanding that this time of year is what sets you and your children up for the rest of the holidays.
The link between sugar and our immune health is important to consider, especially in October when viruses and colds begin to circulate more frequently. High-sugar treats cause a spike in blood sugar levels, leading to a cascade of effects that can suppress the body’s ability to fight off infections. Dairy, especially when combined with sugar, can create excess mucus and further strain the immune system. This is one of the reasons why we often see an uptick in illnesses as the candy starts flowing after Halloween.
Instead of denying yourself or your family all treats, why not take a more mindful approach to what you’re enjoying?
Sit down with your kids and educate them about how candy and dairy can make us sick. So if this is your first time bringing this to your kids attention. Be sure to share with them that they can keep 20 pieces of candy and the rest I am going to buy the candy from you, and you can buy a toy with it. Between 5 and 10 cents per piece and then we can go to the store and get you something you really want.
Realize that your kids are very invested in the bag of treats they just got but giving them an alternative is a great option.
Choosing healthier alternatives allows us to indulge in the fun of Halloween while still supporting our overall health.
Making Halloween Special in a Different Way
It’s not about complete restriction, but about making the experience of Halloween fun for everyone. Here are a few ways to uplevel your Halloween this season:
- Getting a costume: Make a big deal about picking out the most fun costume and let your kiddos wear them around the house.
- Party with friends: Host a fun little party with games, healthier halloween treats, snacks and fun decorations.
- Having a really good dinner before Trick or Treating: Has always served her traditional Halloween chili and cornbread which are both in Damn Good Gluten Free Cookbook.
- Homemade Treats: Try making your own healthier Halloween treats at home! Think almond flour cookies, coconut macaroons, or even Funfetti cake and turn it into cupcakes, chocolate chip perfect bar but beware of peanut allergies. Elemental superfood bars and you can use code CGKLove for a discount. Homemade treats give you full control over the ingredients and help cut down on processed sugars and additives.
Balancing Treats with Immune Support
By choosing to enjoy healthier treats 80% of the time and leaving 20% for indulgence in traditional sweets, you give yourself the freedom to enjoy the season without guilt while maintaining balance. This approach helps you stay mindful of your overall health and well-being.
Supporting your immune system while still indulging during Halloween can also be done with a few smart practices:
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps your body flush out toxins and maintain a strong immune system.
- Boosting with Nutrients: Focus on eating a nutrient-dense diet that includes foods high in vitamins C, D, and zinc to keep your immune system strong during this season of sugar.
- Probiotics: Incorporate fermented foods, like yogurt, sauerkraut, or kefir, which can support gut health and, in turn, your immune system.
- Eating enough Protein and Fat: When our body reaches for sugar it’s looking for the healthy protein and fats
More Reasons Why Cold and Flu Season Start After Halloween
Cold and flu season kicks off in after Halloween, here’s some reasons why. As the days get shorter and the weather cools, we tend to spend more time indoors, where germs spread more easily. The shift in weather also impacts our vitamin D levels, which play a key role in immune function. Combine these factors with the onslaught of sugary treats around Halloween, and it creates the perfect storm for colds and flu to thrive.
It’s important to remember that the food we eat plays a direct role in how our bodies function, including our ability to fend off infections. Another reason why high sugar and dairy-laden diets can also lead to inflammation, which weakens our immune response and increases the likelihood of getting sick.
FAQs
1. Can I still enjoy candy while staying healthy during Halloween?
Absolutely! The key is moderation and making mindful choices. Opt for healthier alternatives, such as dark chocolate treats link Honey Mamas Bars or Hu’s Bars or treats made with natural sweeteners, and allow yourself to enjoy traditional candies in moderation.
2. How does sugar affect my immune system?
High sugar intake suppresses your immune system by inhibiting the ability of white blood cells to fend off bacteria and viruses. Consuming too much sugar can reduce your body’s defense against cold and flu during peak seasons.
3. What are some immune-boosting treats I can make at home?
You can make homemade treats like Snicker bites, Funfetti, nut balls, chocolate chip cookie bites, pumpkin bread. These treats are nutrient-rich, lower in sugar, and provide essential vitamins and minerals that support your immune system.
By mindfully choosing your Halloween treats and being aware of the impact of sugar and dairy on your immune system, you can enjoy the fun of the season while staying healthy. So this year, try upleveling your treats to support your immune system and enjoy a healthier, happier Halloween!