Trick or treat- Give Me Something Good For Me

​Halloween has arrived! Yes, while Halloween time does mean candy, it doesn’t have to mean rotten teeth or high blood sugar! I am so excited to announce that for the next YEAR, I will be teaming up with Crest to promote healthy teeth and beautiful smiles! You can circle back monthly to see that month’s message from myself and Crest! First- let’s close out this month with some Halloween fun!

There are many things to think about when going into the Halloween holiday! Of course, our minds automatically go to candy, costumes, haunted houses and scary movies. Halloween is SO much fun and best enjoyed in good health! Head to toe- teeth included! Below are 3 tips for enjoying the holiday while feeling your best!

• Moderation: Easier said than done right?! Actually it can be easier than you think. According to a Crest Halloween Survey, 73% of people said they purposefully buy more Halloween candy than they needed for trick-or-treaters so they can eat the extra. Stop right there! If you think ahead and buy candy you don’t like you can avoid the possibility of eating too many sweets! If you want to skip the temptation completely, buy alternatives like little toys or trinkets! 

• Be Prepared: It is okay to enjoy candy and sweets in moderation! If you want to enjoy some candy, a little preparation can go a long way! If you want to enjoy some desserts or treats, opt for a healthier dinner beforehand. 41% of parents who took the survey said they compensate for Halloween candy by serving a healthier dinner on the holiday itself or the next night. Carbohydrates have the BIGGEST effect on blood sugar. Here is a carb counting chart for all your favourite Halloween treats! Prepare accordingly! 

• Chose Wisely: When enjoying a treat or two, chose wisely. That could mean picking a candy low in carbs or picking a candy you REALLY enjoy and limiting the amount. A tip for healthy teeth is to stay away from hard candies that you have to keep in your mouth for a long time. The length of time candy stays in your mouth has an impact on tooth decay! Also try to avoid sticky candy like taffy which stick to teeth and take longer to be washed away by saliva. Regardless, make sure to brush, brush, brush to account for the extra sugar! Only 48% of adults enforce a stricter teeth brushing/flossing routine on Halloween for themselves. However, 70% parents enforce stricter teeth brushing/routines on Halloween for their children. Shh I won’t tell the children! 

​I hope you keep these tips in mind as you enjoy the Halloween holiday! Remember the most important thing is to have fun celebrating with your friends and family! I hope you have a Happy Halloween in great health! 
 
Special thank you to Crest for sponsoring this post! I look forward to our continued partnership!