Restrict a food and it becomes more desirable. Teach a child to enjoy a reasonable serving of a sweet treat, knowing that it will be available again in the future, is part of learning the principles of healthy eating.
Though we all know what candy is, there is no legal definition or standard of identity for candy. It loosely takes in all sweet treats, chocolate and non-chocolate sweets, hard and soft candies, as well as chewing gum. All Americans eat candy at least once a year and some eat it daily. NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) data showed no increased risk for obesity and heart disease in children and adults who regularly ate moderate amounts of candy. It’s not the candy but the amount that is the issue. Small servings are just fun, nothing more nothing less.
Experts tried to define a reasonable or moderate serving of candy. They concluded that 50 to 100 calories a day from candy was a reasonable portion for adults, obviously less for kids.
Translated into candy, here are some moderate portions, equaling 50 to 100 calories. Use the smaller amount for children under 12.
Jelly beans — 13 to 25.
Snack size candy bar – 1 to 2
String licorice – 2 to 4 pieces
Hard candies – 3 to 5 pieces
Bite size chocolates (like kisses) – 2 to 4
Fruit chews – 2 to 4
Chocolate covered raisins – 13 to 26
Some foods are just fun. Enjoy them in reasonable amounts.
