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How to Avoid an Easter Sugar Binge

Emily Lockhart

Published on February 22, 2020 Updated on February 25, 2021

Health Check Certified By: Julie Ching, MS, RDN, CDE

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What parent doesn’t dread the sugar-infused mayhem that follows an Easter egg hunt? Well never fear the bunny and his basket of goodies; we’ve got ten tried and true ways to prevent those candy-filled temper tantrums and the irritable blood sugar crashes that inevitably put an end to an otherwise enjoyable family holiday.

Ban Candy with Added Dyes and Color

It’s often not the sugar that causes behavioral issues in kids, like temper tantrums, it’s the food dyes and added food coloring that kids have an extreme reaction to. So try having a limited supply of healthier treats on hand—like homemade rice crispy squares, homemade fudge, and organic and dark chocolate—instead of the processed junk.

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Set Ground Rules

Parents should have a frank and honest discussion with kids prior to the Easter egg hunt to talk about just how much candy they want vs. how much they need. Make them a part of the decision and ask them honesty how they felt ill after gorging themselves with candy the previous Easter.

Prime Them with a Balanced Meal

Offer a balanced breakfast or lunch before they strike out to hunt for treats. This way those little bodies won’t be so apt to experience a blood sugar spike followed by the inevitable sugar crash.

Flush Out Excess Sugar

Be sure to take a case of bottled water with you to the in-laws or Easter party so you can flush out excess sugars by hydrating them adequately.

Don’t Give Out Candy

Start a new holiday tradition of giving out small toys in your kids’ Easter baskets.

Educate on Healthy Food Choices

Kids are smart, they don’t want to feel ill, so talk to them about how to balance treats with healthier choices and why alternatives are better options for them.

Make Your Own Candy

Make your own Easter candies and eggs with natural sweeteners—such as stevia, honey, and maple syrup.

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Smaller Loot Bags vs. Baskets

Does a small child really need a heaping basket of Easter candy? No, but a small loot bag filled with a half dozen or so treats is a good compromise.

Teach Sharing

If you have more than one child in your family, make one Easter basket and have the kids share the loot among the group.

Trade For Favorites

If your child loves chocolate Easter eggs, but doesn’t really enjoy marshmallow peeps, teach them about trading for their favorite and then rationing out their favorite treat over the course of the next few months rather than to eat it all at once.

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Julie Ching, MS, RDN, CDE

Julie Ching is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator in Los Angeles. She decided to become a Dietitian after traveling through Europe, South America, and Asia and discovered a passion for food. She now works with people of all ages and varying disease states to improve their health. She is passionate about teaching people about nutrition so they can live their best life while still considering their cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.