Binging On Halloween Candy

So, right now I’m sitting at the kitchen table as my wife pulls out cupcakes.  She’s also in the process of making homemade icing (yum!) and a two-layer bundt cake.  The temptations are lining up before me as we speak.

We’re entering the time of year when everyone’s waistlines usually expand.  Generally speaking, I’m no exception.  Both of the younger kids have Halloween parties tomorrow.  They’re excited because they get to wear their costumes to school and Mom is going to bring cupcakes to the parties.  Tomorrow night, we’re going to a local church function, where there will be 100-cars set up handing out candy.  After that, its over to a friend’s house for a buffet-style dinner followed by cake and ice cream.  Let the sugar-fest begin!

Most of the advice I encounter on weight loss and weight management says we should have “free days” so we don’t suffer burnout.  I’m consoling myself with the knowledge that tomorrow is mine, and that’s O.K.  The only problem is that we usually have candy sitting around on the counter for a few months after the big day.  So, every time I walk by the bowl, I find myself grabbing “…just one piece…” and we all know where that leads.  So this year, I’m resolved to make sure that doesn’t happen.  I may have to throw a bunch in the trash, but hey, what’s a guy to do?

Halloween Safety

A few thoughts on safety for this evening.  Here’s my “old guy” plug.  One thing that’s different from when I was a kid is when we take the kids to “trick-or-treat.”  It used to be well after dark.  Now, most “official” times for trick-or-treating fall between the hours of 5pm and 7pm.  In the early part of that range, many people are still trying to get home from work.  Toward the later end, folks are heading out for parties.  All these cars don’t mix well with little kids running around in streets.  We’ve had to watch drivers very carefully when taking our kids around to get candy because often times, the drivers aren’t watching.  So, watch your kids closely.

Another tidbit.  I received an email from a friend on a candy recall issued from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.  The email was verified by Snopes, which had a link to the agency’s website.  I went there and read the recall, the text of which is quoted below:

OTTAWA, October 8, 2008 – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume, distribute, or sell the Sherwood Brands Pirate’s Gold Milk Chocolate Coins described below. This product is being recalled due to positive test results for melamine conducted by the CFIA.

The affected product, Sherwood Brands Pirate’s Gold Milk Chocolate Coins, is sold in 840g containers containing 240 pieces per container bearing UPC0 36077 11240 7 and lot code 1928S1.

This product is sold nationally through Costco stores and may also have been sold in bulk packages or as individual pieces at various dollar and bulk stores across Canada.

If the original product identity and UPCcode is not evident, consumers are advised to check with their retailer to determine if they have the affected product.

Retailers and distributors are advised to stop distributing Sherwood Brands Pirate’s Gold Milk Chocolate Coins and to initiate a voluntary recall of this product. The CFIAwill be working with the importers to remove the affected product from the marketplace.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

Although the health risk associated with these products is considered to be low, the advisory is being issued as a result of the Government of Canada’s ongoing investigation into milk and milk-derived products sourced in/from China that may have been distributed in Canada.

The CFIAis monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

Melamine is a chemical compound used in a number of commercial and industrial applications.  Canada does not allow its use as a food ingredient.

For more information consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

There is potential these could be found in the U.S., and its better to be safe than sorry.  Since I doubt the brand of such our kids get will be readily identifiable, any candy matching this description will be discarded.

Finally, have fun tonight!  Some of my great memories from childhood are from Halloween.  I’m convinced that next to Christmas, tonight is my kid’s favorite holiday.  Enjoy!