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LMQC Nutritionist blogger, Jeni Tackett, warns that despite their good taste, treats like spicy lattes, home-baked goods and chocolatey treats come with not-so-fun-sized calorie counts.

by Nutritionist Blogger, Jeni Tackett, RD, LD

All those sweet goodies can be bad for you – beware!

The holiday eating season has begun. Beware! The special lattes, baked goods and extra fun size calories add up!

Here’s a great strategy for mindful snacking: When you see Halloween candy on the counter, at work, or in your children’s room, imagine the sound of a cash register every time you take a bite. The calories are adding up!

Remember that about 100 calories every day for a month results in one pound of weight gain.

Fun sized candy packs full sized calorie counts

Here are some calorie counts of the most popular Halloween candies that may be making their way into your house (and onto your waist):

Item Calories
Fun size M&M’s (plain) 88
Fun size M&M’s (peanut) 93
Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins 180
Fun size Butterfingers 85
Fun size Snicker’s 80
Small Tootsie Roll 50
Fun size Starburst 40
Smarties Roll 25

Pumpkin tastes great – just don’t enjoy too much

You may not be tempted to raid your children’s candy stash, but the warm pumpkin latte at the local coffee shop is another story. Pumpkin drinks and treats are everywhere! Be warned! These treats often pack a high calorie punch:

Item Calories
12-ounce Pumpkin Spice Latte with Nonfat Milk 200
16-ounce Pumpkin Spice Latte with Nonfat Milk 260
20-ounce Pumpkin Spice Latte with Nonfat Milk 330
Pumpkin Muffin 350
Pumpkin Pie Donut 380
Pumpkin Scone 430

As you can see, the pumpkin treats so popular this season are loaded with calories.

For pumpkin lattes opt for a smaller size, ask for nonfat milk, and go with no whip. If you are indulging in a pumpkin muffin, cake, donut, or scone, share with a friend.

Craving pumpkin flavor? Cut the sugar.

Making a daily habit of these comfort foods and drinks is not a healthy choice. Try healthier pumpkin flavored options such as pumpkin spice Greek yogurt and pumpkin butter on whole wheat toast.

So, enjoy the treats of the season but keep your ears pealed for that warning Ka-Ching!

by Nutritionist Blogger, Jeni Tackett, RD, LD

All those sweet goodies can be bad for you – beware!

The holiday eating season has begun. Beware! The special lattes, baked goods and extra fun size calories add up!

Here’s a great strategy for mindful snacking: When you see Halloween candy on the counter, at work, or in your children’s room, imagine the sound of a cash register every time you take a bite. The calories are adding up!

Remember that about 100 calories every day for a month results in one pound of weight gain.

Fun sized candy packs full sized calorie counts

Here are some calorie counts of the most popular Halloween candies that may be making their way into your house (and onto your waist):

Item Calories
Fun size M&M’s (plain) 88
Fun size M&M’s (peanut) 93
Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins 180
Fun size Butterfingers 85
Fun size Snicker’s 80
Small Tootsie Roll 50
Fun size Starburst 40
Smarties Roll 25

Pumpkin tastes great – just don’t enjoy too much

You may not be tempted to raid your children’s candy stash, but the warm pumpkin latte at the local coffee shop is another story. Pumpkin drinks and treats are everywhere! Be warned! These treats often pack a high calorie punch:

Item Calories
12-ounce Pumpkin Spice Latte with Nonfat Milk 200
16-ounce Pumpkin Spice Latte with Nonfat Milk 260
20-ounce Pumpkin Spice Latte with Nonfat Milk 330
Pumpkin Muffin 350
Pumpkin Pie Donut 380
Pumpkin Scone 430

As you can see, the pumpkin treats so popular this season are loaded with calories.

For pumpkin lattes opt for a smaller size, ask for nonfat milk, and go with no whip. If you are indulging in a pumpkin muffin, cake, donut, or scone, share with a friend.

Craving pumpkin flavor? Cut the sugar.

Making a daily habit of these comfort foods and drinks is not a healthy choice. Try healthier pumpkin flavored options such as pumpkin spice Greek yogurt and pumpkin butter on whole wheat toast.

So, enjoy the treats of the season but keep your ears pealed for that warning Ka-Ching!

Jeni Tackett

Jeni Tackett

Nutritionist Blogger

Jeni is a registered and licensed dietitian for Rock Valley Health. Jeni counsels her clients on weight loss and nutrition.