Photo courtesy skeeze on Pixabay
by Elizabeth Meyer, RD, LRD
I love candy. There’s always candy in my purse, maybe my coat pockets and I’m always sure to have candy in the house if you know where to look. People assume it’s because I have diabetes and might need it in an emergency, but that’s just a good excuse for why I always have it.
Since its Valentine’s Day, we’re feeling all the feels — love is in the air and we’re eating all the treats (I bet there’s candy within 5 feet of you right now). It feels like the perfect excuse for me to think about why candy is okay. It might even have some benefits.
We only hear about how too much sugar is bad, or candy will rot your teeth or make you breakout. I’m not going to call it a “super food” or even healthy, but everyone enjoys candy (come on, you know there’s some kind of candy you like, you maybe just aren’t letting yourself enjoy it). So, for the sake of parents stealing candy from their kids, lets look at the reasons that support us doing that.
- People who eat candy live longer – the fine folks at Harvard did a little study showing that people who eat candy live longer than those who don’t. I’m not saying eat candy all day everyday but indulging here and there could pay off! Just remember to brush and floss. #dentalhygiene
- Dark chocolate has heart healthy benefits. We already know this, so let’s utilize that information. Science is on our side.
- Candy may help you focus and work a little harder on a tough task (helping your kids with their Valentine’s boxes, putting out fires between siblings, painting the living room, getting a crying baby to sleep…).
- Still not buying the whole candy can be healthy idea? How about some gum? Chewing gum can help improve your mood (it increases serotonin level #behappy), reduces stress, increases focus and can actually help block pain. It might even help with self-control.
So, go ahead and fill that candy dish and put it out on your desk. Sneak some candy from your kids Valentine’s stash and enjoy it – GUILT FREE. Let your kids enjoy their special treats too. Guilt and food don’t make a good couple. It’s time for a break up. Having a piece of candy here and there isn’t going to hurt anything. It might even help! If you’re still hesitant about my campaign to make candy great again, dip your fruit in some dark chocolate – two heart healthy choices.
I’m not saying eat candy all day everyday but indulging here and there could pay off! Just remember to brush and floss.
Elizabeth is a registered dietitian and wellness education specialist at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. She blogs for OYT once a month.