Guest Blog post by Jamie Truppi, author of Clean Food, Messy Life. Check out more on Jamie’s blog here!

If you'd like to get ahead of flu season

(oops, I mean "sugar season')

consider these tips: 

1.) Be intentional about meal planning.

2.) Cook from scratch using seasonal foods.

3.) Keep nature's sweets handy and eat them first.

4.) Eat a well-balanced snack or meal before 

eating the candy you love.

5.) Be honest about what you're consuming.

6.) Tune into how excess sugar feels in your mind-body.

7.) Ask for support if you're overdoing it 

or need to cultivate better habits.

8.) Eat - and only eat. No multi-tasking.

9.) Avoid sugary beverages.

10.) Allow yourself to savor something sweet, 

every day, if you'd like.

Mind you, I love costumes and creativity!

I adore the idea of honoring our loved ones 

who have passed -

their spirits,

their souls. 

I appreciate the notion of celebrating the end of 

harvest season

and the beginning of winter.

If Halloween had become a tradition without candy, 

it could possibly be my favorite holiday.

It's adorable to walk the haunted neighborhoods at dusk,

enjoying the painted faces,

fairy tale dresses,

and kids alit with excitement.

I'm grateful for the people who turn on their porch lights

open doors with an air of pretend horror

or wonder

and place tiny packages 

into pumpkins and pillowcases. 

But, I cringe while picking up litter - 

the tiny corners of colorful plastic, 

blowing in the wind,

co-mingling with crunchy leaves.

I dread the post-trick-or-treat event

when my kids dump their bag of candy out

onto the living room floor,

competing for the biggest pile

while crashing emotionally after the sugar rush

has worn off. 

I hate when it's time to tell them to select

a dozen or so pieces of candy,

and rid the rest.

It's difficult to remain patient,

and true to my values; 

excess sugar is not one of them.

Yeah, I'm one of those moms.

This year, my daughter had her first cavity.

It was filled just this morning - 

two days before Halloween.

Her gums numb and eyes filled with tears

after an hour in the chair,

the dental assistant offered a popsicle.

I asked, “Is it sugar-free and organic?”

(No.)

After dropping off my daughter at school,

I came home to finish my article about food 

and my improved eye health, 

sign up for a dish to bring

to the school's Halloween party,

turn the sourdough,

and write questions for the trout farmer

for my next podcast interview.

I snacked on apple

with walnut butter

and dark chocolate.

Every day, I eat something sweet,

with intention.

It's a well-balanced mini-meal.

And I savor it.

I rarely submit to excess.

And I feel committed with this conviction, 

because I am not deprived.

'Tis the season for excess. 

'Tis the season for clients to skip consults,

and fall off the wagon,

while celebrating with sugar.

In my home, 'tis the season to eat real food - 

abundant from fall harvest -

to drink water between meals,

to address temptations 

with good intentions

and great habits.

In my perspective, 

'tis the season to enjoy sweetness

like homemade apple pie,

pumpkin bread,

roasted delicata squash,

and a spoonful of honey in afternoon tea.

Y'all, the temptations are everywhere! 

I get it. 

I have kids and I have cravings.

Follow Jamie on Substack.

The information provided on Nielsen Nutrition is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. This is at no additional cost to you and helps to support the maintenance and growth of the blog.