(Downtown Sheldon - KIWA Staff Photo)Iowa (RI) — Most Iowa parents know it’s probably not a good idea to let children eat their entire Halloween candy stash in one night.
Registered dietician Cindy Leuck says parents can help avoid a sugar overload by setting expectations ahead of time and limiting how much candy children eat each day.
Leuck says Halloween treats can add up quickly, noting that many candies contain large amounts of sugar in even small portions.
For families handing out treats, Leuck suggests considering alternatives to candy.
Parents are also encouraged to inspect trick-or-treat bags before children begin eating their treats, checking for damaged or tampered packaging. Leuck says homemade treats may be acceptable in some situations, depending on where they came from.
If homemade treats come from someone unfamiliar, Leuck says parents may want to discard them as a precaution.
Leuck is a registered dietitian for Emplify Health by Gundersen, which operates clinics in northeast Iowa and a hospital in West Union.
