Just How Bad Are Those Little Candy Corns?

I started October with a vow to eat less sugar, drink more water and generally be healthier. I’m giving myself a B- overall, but I would be doing better if candy corn wasn’t dragging down my grade. My kids don’t love it, my husband doesn’t eat it, but what would Halloween be without a big bowl of candy corn on the counter? I will tell you what it would be! It would be an A!

I cannot stop eating it. I am in danger of turning into a candy corn. But, it is so small, and it has a vegetable in its name. How bad can it be? On October 30th, I can finally bring myself to check it out.

UGH! Yes, CAPITAL UGH! Not that I expected anything different, but here it goes.

Ingredients: Sugar, Corn Syrup, Confectioner’s Glaze, Salt, Dextrose, Gelatin, Sesame Oil, Artificial Flavor, Honey, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Red 3

Calories: 19 pieces = 140 calories

Grams of sugar in 19 pieces = 32g the equivalent of 8 tsp of sugar (consider that the American Heart Association recommends an upper limit of 25 g of sugar per day for women)

Fat: None

K. Got it. Not good for you. All sugar! I have only hours left to try to show some willpower and not eat the candy corn on my counter — and yes, I do realize I have the power to put it away. Did I mention what would Halloween be without a bowl of candy corn? Then I have to struggle with the trick-or-treat stash. Help!

For tomorrow, here are some Tips to limit the sugar:

  • Only serve water … no sugary drinks
  • Put fresh vegetables on the counter after school to fill them up
  • Serve a healthy dinner as soon as they come in from trick or treating and insist they wait to hit the sweets until after dinner.
  • Have your kids pick out the candy they don’t like and donate it immediately … before you start eating it.
  • Teach kids about what sugar will do to their bodies, and help them learn the skills they need to self-restrict. It will serve them in the long run.

 

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Author: Karen Latimer

Dr. Latimer is a Family Physician and Wellness & Parenting Coach. She works with parents who want to feel more confident when helping their children and coaches young adults to help them better navigate college life and transitions. Contact her at drkarenlatimer@gmail.com to learn more. She is the author of two Audible Originals, Take Back the House -- Raising Happy Parents and Worry Less, Parent Better. She is also the co-founder of the app that makes your life easier and puts social in a healthier place -- List'm.