With Halloween just behind us, I've been getting tons of questions about what I'm doing with all that Halloween candy—and how I'm managing it with my kids.
It's funny, isn't it?
The expectation that, as a nutritionist, I'd be guarding that candy stash with every trick in the book!
But here's my philosophy: allowing access is key.
For many families, the switch witch idea is so great! But, for our family, it just doesn't feel right for us.
Instead, I encourage my kids to enjoy their candy—really enjoy it—at the end of a balanced meal full of protein, fibre, and fat (to slow the spike in blood glucose levels that can sometimes trigger emotional dysregulation).
As long as they're mindful and have a meal that supports stable energy, there's no harm at all.
We're teaching our kids how to eat all foods.
This is a pretty big deal. Seriously - trust me.
In fact, it's EXTRA good, because it's supporting a healthy relationship with food that'll last a lifetime.
Which brings me to something bigger I often get asked about:
What does the word “healthy” mean to you?
When we define one rigid way of eating as “healthy,” we set everything else up to be “unhealthy”—and that's a slippery slope.
This is why I think “Healthy” should be classified as a “7-Letter-Word":
"Healthy" isn't one-size-fits-all. A “healthy” approach to eating might mean honouring hunger cues, allowing flexibility, and making food choices that fuel focus and steady energy without strict labels or guilt.
"Healthy" doesn't mean perfect habits. Healthy families adapt to each person's unique needs and are responsive rather than rigid.
For kids, this could mean sometimes eating meals at different times, trying new foods without pressure, or having Halloween candy as part of the fun, without the guilt associated with eating an 'unhealthy' food.
For us, "healthy" means approaching food and wellness as an evolving part of life—not as a rulebook.
Kids (and adults!) thrive when even a structured environment is flexible, responsive, and free of rigid expectations.
Read that again.
And maybe, again.
It applies to way more than just our relationship with food.
If “healthy” has come to mean rigidity, it's time to redefine it.
Healthy isn't about following one strict path; it's about creating a supportive, adaptable environment where kids feel safe, nourished, and free to grow at their own pace.
Let's think of “healthy” as an open definition—one that makes room for flexibility, understanding, and the freedom to make choices that fit each unique stage of life.
If this resonates with you, or if you've ever felt that “healthy” labels don't fit your family's unique needs, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Curious about nutrition for your family?
If you’re looking for support with your family’s health goals regarding mental health, ADHD or fostering a healthy relationship with food, feel free to book in a FREE assessment call so we can chat to see if Holistic Nutrition is a good fit for your family!
Amy Jones
BA Hons, BEd, RHN, CNE, OCT
Care-Informed & Health At Every Size® Registered Holistic Nutritionist
Certified ADHD Coach Candidate (iACT)
Canadian School Of Natural Nutrition Instructor
Metabolic Balance® Coach
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