Have an Orange Halloween this Year
Trick or Treat! Yes,
it is that time of year when children and adults put on costumes and consume
large amounts of sugar-filled candy and treats. I am talking about Halloween
people--a holiday in which millions of Americans take part in. It is this time of year when you can’t go
anywhere without seeing a Halloween-themed bowl with, you guessed it,
candy. Even places that promote health,
such as doctor offices and your local gym will have a candy bowl ready to feed
that Halloween craving of sweet sugary goodness. No one can seem to resist this celebration of
costumes and candy. So what should you
do if you want to participate in this sweet holiday without eating all of that sugar? Make it an orange Halloween. Of course I’m talking about the fruit. Oranges or tangerines are an excellent choice
for Halloween. They are orange, round, and look kind of like a miniature
pumpkin. So why not use them to make healthy
Halloween treats?
Option 1: Peel
some oranges and stick a piece of celery at the top to make a stem.
Option 2: Draw faces on the peel with a black marker.
Option 3: Scoop out filling and carve the peel like you
would a pumpkin. Add cut up oranges or
mix with other fruit for a pumpkin fruit bowl
But Oranges Contain Sugar, Right?
Yes, oranges have naturally occurring sugars. Actually, all fruits contain sugar. This is what gives it that sweet taste. Fruits offer so much more nutrition though so
don’t discount it due to its sugar content.
Fruits, such as oranges, contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber in
addition to natural sugars. Our bodies actually
need naturally occurring sugar to give us energy. What we don’t need is the type of sugar that
is found in candy and other sweet treats.
Candy and sweet treats contain refined sugar. Refined sugar is completely different then
naturally occurring sugar found in fruits.
In fact, consuming too much refined sugar can actually cause some
serious health consequences such as cavities, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and
obesity.
So
why don’t you make your next Halloween orange? We would also love to hear your tips for making Halloween healthier. Share them in the comments below!
References
Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). Nutrition for everyone. Retrieved
from
Rosen, K. (2008). The sugar DEBATE. (cover story). Delicious Living,
24(2), 26-31
Tina Arriazola is a graduate
student at Texas Woman’s University and is currently pursuing a MS in Health
Studies with an emphasis on worksite health promotion. In 2012, she received a BS in Health Studies
with an emphasis on community health. Her
interests are in worksite wellness programs and childhood obesity. She is also passionate about teaching others
how to live a healthy lifestyle.
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