On Halloween, our little “trick or treaters” get so much candy, full of sugar and chemical additives. Sugar is known to cause hyperactivity in children and dental problems, as well as mood swings, depression and obesity. But, it’s not only the sugar that’s so bad for them. It’s also the other chemical additives, including artificial and natural flavors and FD&C colors, most of which are derived from coal tar which is a carcinogen.
Here are some tips on how to reduce the sugar and chemical load this Halloween:
• Instead of candy, give penny toys, removable tattoos, stickers, apples or mini
boxes of raisins.
• If you have little ones, have a party at your house and give toys, stickers and
healthy snacks.
• If your kids do go out trick or treating, let them choose five candy treats from
their treat bag. Allow them to eat only one a day and put the rest away. They’ll
probably forget about the candy after that.
It is always fun to have spooky food on Halloween. So why not get creative
and make your own recipes using the below list as inspiration. Aim for lots of
color and texture.
• Black: poppy seeds, raisins, currents, black beans, cocoa, carob
• Purple: blueberries, purple cabbages, blackberries, eggplant/plum (skin only)
• Green: leafy greens, broccoli, kiwis, peas, green beans, avocados, celery, green
onions, herbs, green apples (skin only)
• Orange: pumpkin and other winter squash, oranges, carrots, cantaloupes,
persimmons, orange bell peppers, yams
• Red: beets, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, red bell peppers, cranberries,
tomatoes, pomegranates, red onions, red delicious apples (skin only)
• Yellow: pineapples, bananas, corn, yellow bell peppers
• White: coconuts, potatoes, sweet potatoes, lychees, dragonfruit (some varieties)
We hope everyone has a happy and healthy Halloween. Stay safe and keep a look out for zombies.
For more information, please call Unruh Chiropractic, Inc. at 661-288-0022, visit www.unruhchiropractic.com , or stop by the office at 23206 Lyons Avenue, Suite 110 in Santa Clarita.