You know you’re doing something right when just your presence inspires healthier choices. That’s exactly what happened to me recently, and it reminded me how powerful leading by example can be when it comes to nutrition.
A Personal Story of Influence
Every year, I travel to Houston for the International Quilt Festival, usually held around Halloween weekend. I always stay with my best friend and her family — a tradition that dates back to the early 1990s when I still lived there. Over the years, their home has become my “second home,” filled with memories and laughter.
On my most recent trip, while we were eating dinner, eight-year-old Noah asked, “Mikell, are you going to be here for Halloween?”
Curious, I asked him why. His response made me smile: “If you’re here, we have to eat healthier, and you won’t let me eat my Halloween candy!”
For the record, I’ve never stopped anyone from eating what they want. But if my presence makes someone think twice about food choices, that’s a win!
Clearly, I’ve become associated with a healthier lifestyle, and that was a proud moment.
The Hidden Dangers of Halloween Candy
Whether or not you celebrate Halloween, one thing is certain — candy is everywhere. Stores, schools, workplaces, and parties all overflow with those colorful “mini” treats. But before you grab one, check the label. Beyond the usual high fructose corn syrup, take note of the artificial dyes — red, yellow, and blue — the colors of the rainbow hiding inside your candy.
Where Do Food Dyes Come From?
Surprisingly, most of artificial colorings are derived from coal tar or petroleum. Yes — the same industrial materials you’d never consider eating!
Here’s a quick look at some of the common culprits:
- Blue #1 and Blue #2 (Patent Blue and Indigo Carmine): Used in bright-colored candies.
- Brilliant Black: Known to worsen asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals.
- Yellow #5 (Tartrazine): The most allergenic, linked to symptoms such as anxiety, migraines, depression, itching, heart palpitations, and insomnia.
When you realize what’s behind those bright colors, it’s easy to see why reducing artificial dyes is worth the effort.
A Healthier Halloween Tradition
If “trick or treating” (or “trunk or treating”) is part of your family fun, don’t skip it — just make it healthier. Here’s a creative idea:
After the fun, let your kids choose five favorite candies to keep. Place the rest in a bag by the door. That night, the Candy Fairy can exchange it for a small toy or special surprise!
This approach keeps the magic alive while sparing little tummies from a coal-and-tar sugar rush. And if throwing candy away feels wasteful, remember: it’s better in the trash than in their bodies.
Dr. Mikell Suzanne Parsons, DC, CCN, DACBN, DACNB
Dr. Mikell Suzanne Parsons, DC, CCN, DACBN, DACNB is a Doctor of Chiropractic, certified clinical nutritionist, and brain wellness expert with 34+ years serving Fresno families at The Natural Path Health Center.
Learn More About Dr. Parsons
