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As Marla Ahlgrimm understands all too well, it requires serious willpower to step away from the kitchen table or the candy counter during the holiday season. Fall-themed treats are a major temptation for adults and children alike. Here, Marla Ahlgrimm advises readers against selecting many of the sweet and savory treats that mark the changing of the seasons.
Oceans 2003: Welcome to autumn! Marla Ahlgrimm: Thank you. It’s actually my favorite time of year… Oceans 2003: Although the weather is beautiful around the country in October and November, the season does present some challenges for people in terms of their diet. Marla Ahlgrimm: That’s so true. |
Oceans 2003: When giving nutritional advice, what’s the one sweet treat that you tell people to avoid?
Marla Ahlgrimm: All sugary treats come with their own warnings, but candy corn is one of the most unhealthy treats around Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Oceans 2003: How so?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Candy corn is just artificial coloring, honey and sugar. Simple as that.
Oceans 2003: Does candy corn have any nutritional value whatsoever?
Marla Ahlgrimm: There are no healthy proteins or fats in candy corn. In fact, each serving contains as much as 150 calories.
Oceans 2003: For those who want to indulge, what would you suggest?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Limit serving size to just a few pieces instead of purchasing an entire bag.
Oceans 2003: What other seasonal treats may mean trouble for a person’s health?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Pumpkin spice lattes, which have gained national acclaim in recent years, are high on the list.
Oceans 2003: Really?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Yes. This popular drink can often pack on the pounds.
Oceans 2003: Why are pumpkin spice lattes such a burden on someone’s diet?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Due to the grams of sugars and calories involved, it’s simply not worth it to drink a pumpkin spice latte at the expense of healthier snacks.
Oceans 2003: Interesting…
Marla Ahlgrimm: Don’t forget that these drinks can cost up to five dollars. That’s yet another reason to avoid them.
Oceans 2003: What alternatives might be available?
Marla Ahlgrimm: My suggestion would be Tazo Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea, which gives people that rich pumpkin flavor without all of the sugar and calories.
Oceans 2003: Is that an expensive treat?
Marla Ahlgrimm: For only three or four dollars, you can purchase a box with 20 tea bags.
Oceans 2003: What other foods may wreak havoc on a health and wellness plan?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Reese’s pumpkins and Christmas trees contain a significant amount of calories and saturated fat. As the weather gets colder, people find it hard to resist this delicious combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
Oceans 2003: Is an occasional taste OK?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Of course! But when the temptation to overindulge is too strong, try splitting one of these treats with a friend or coworker.
Oceans 2003: Thanks so much for these recommendations!
Marla Ahlgrimm: My pleasure.
Oceans 2003: Enjoy your holiday season!
Marla Ahlgrimm: You as well!
Marla Ahlgrimm is a women’s health expert and pharmacist who lives and works in Madison, Wisconsin.
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