© ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / JASONDOIY
Do your know how much sugar your child consumes on a typical day? It’s probably more than you think. Kids take in an average of 9.7 teaspoons of added sugar for every 1,000 calories, according to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service. To put that into context, the USDA recommends a maximum 3.9 teaspoons of sugar per 1,000 calories for a 2,000-calorie diet. Here’s how to handle the inevitable October sugar rush without spoiling the fun:
• Have your family choose a few favorites and give away the rest. Donate to troops overseas or participate in a local dentist’s candy takeback program, suggests the American Dental Association.
• Buy candy back from your kids, recommends the American Cancer Society. Let them use the money for a toy, game or book.
• Downsize treat bags to limit their haul. Trust us, they won’t even notice.
• Make sure they eat a satisfying meal before trick-or-treating so they don’t substitute dinner with candy.
• At home, avoid buying everyone’s favorite candy so they’re less tempted to indulge.