Candy Counseling

Friday, 29 October 2010 | by Pat's Picks

In an era where corn syrup is public enemy number one, Halloween candy presents quite a paradox: For some, it’s the whole reason Halloween exists. For others, it’s an evil to eradicate.  The push and pull was fodder for several articles this week. And before you run out and buy this year’s stash, we thought we’d pass on the advice we read.

The New York Times dives right into the subject asking, “Is candy is evil or just misunderstood?” They talk to a former professor turned candy historian who says the relationship people have with candy differs from the one they have will all other foods: “It has always been a processed food, eaten for pleasure, with no particular nutritional benefit.” The Times says although lots of people demonize candy, it’s really no different than drinking a Gatorade or eating a granola bar, a truth that can be lost in the maze of packaging.

To help you feel less guilty about shoveling candy corn into your mouth while waiting for trick or treaters, the Chicago Tribune rated a slew of common treats to find out which were the healthiest. With only 47 calories in each serving (which is two pieces), Tootsie Rolls came out on top in the chocolate category. A fun-size Snickers bar is the best choice in the nut-based candy category, with only 80 calories. And Double Bubble gets a gold star the “other” category.

If your candy concerns are less about nutrition and more about having to deal with a sugar-addled kid, the San Diego Union Tribune has some advice on how to trick your kids out of eating candy. One strategy is to let them gorge themselves: “Overdosing on Halloween candy does have an up side—if children eat too much sugar, they’ll feel sick, and next year they’ll be a bit more restrained.”