Halloween is just around the corner and everyone knows what that means, endless candy. Candy sales at Halloween time go up by double. But is all that candy we’re consuming really good for us? There are definitely some candies we should avoid, and some we should eat in moderation.
A PayDay is packed with 240 calories, contains 7 grams of protein, which is as much as some protein bars. And while most candy lists sugar as its primary ingredient, PayDay is loaded with peanuts; meaning most of its fat is a healthier variety. However, PayDay is considered candy for a reason: It’s packed with 21
grams of sugar.
Everyone knows that if you’re going to combine chocolate and peanut butter, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupsare your option. Even though its everyone’s favorite candy, it is on the avoid list. A 2-pack clocks in at less than 200 calories, but the king-sized version contains a kingdom worth of 44 grams of fat.
Reese’s Pieces are actually worse than the peanut butter cups. Wondering why you should avoid the sinfully sweet combination of chocolate and peanut butter? Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, or as trans fats is the issue. While a few of these candies won’t do any harm, it’s hard to limit your intake before the bag is gone.
Peanut M&Ms are considered the better health choice of the M&M fam
ily. These more filling treats have nearly the same amount of calories as traditional M&Ms but with less sugar and more protein. The downside? More than half of the calories come from fat, and it’s not just the good stuff.
Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Cream is a relatively new candy. It was an instant hit when it featured its distinct and unique white chocolate. With only 19 grams of sugar, it’s actually relatively low for a candy bar. The problem is the white chocolate is no longer an ingredient. It’s since been replaced by oil substitutes, and nearly half of the calories are from fat.
Butterfinger does a good job of a giving “the finger” to your health by using compound chocolate — an artificial substance that combines cocoa, vegetable fat and sweeteners.
Twix, chocolate, wafer and caramel: the perfect combination. How about 27 grams of sugar, 14 grams of fat, and nearly 300 total calories.
You don’t have to avoid these delicious and unhealthy treats completely, just eat them in moderation. Try to have one and not a whole handful or reach for a healthier option. And remember there are always other ways besides eating candy to have a happy Halloween.