A Sugary Showdown: Skittles vs. M&Ms
Skittles
M&Ms
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Enjoying candy doesn't have to be a guilt-ridden affair. With some knowledge and mindfulness, you can savor your favorite treats while maintaining your health goals.
Balance and Moderation: A Guiding Principle
Before diving into our second round of this year’s Candy Battles, we want to review an important principle to remember this holiday season: balance and moderation. While indulging without restraint is tempting, enjoying candy in moderation as part of a balanced diet is the best way to support your health and well-being.
The foundation of a healthy diet is balance. Balance means eating various nutrient-rich foods that provide your body with the essential vitamins, minerals, and energy it needs to thrive, plus making mindful choices to enjoy the occasional sweet treat without compromising your overall nutrition.
One of the most important things to consider when incorporating candy into a healthy lifestyle is the practice of mindfulness. Rather than reaching for candy out of boredom or in response to emotional triggers, consider tuning in to your body's hunger and cravings.
Mindful eating means being aware of what your body truly needs. Before indulging in a sweet treat, ask yourself if you're genuinely hungry or eating to self-soothe in response to some emotional distress. If it's genuine hunger or a specific craving, by all means, enjoy your candy in moderation, savoring each bite.
Discover how your body responds to what you eat, and make small changes to hit your health goals
Skittles | M&Ms | |
Serving Size | 1 standard pack (2.17 oz) | 1 standard pack (1.69 oz) |
Calories | 250 | 230 |
Fat | 2.5g | 9g |
Carbohydrates | 56g | 35g |
Sugars | 45g | 31g |
Protein | 0g | 2g |
Skittles vs. M&Ms Overview
In the second round, it's Skittles vs. M&Ms!
Skittles
First up is Skittles, known for its rainbow-colored candies. Skittles contain various additives, colorings, and even hydrogenated fats. They are high in sugar, with a whopping 45 grams per standard package.
Too much added sugar too often can cause rapid spikes in your blood glucose levels, which requires your body to produce more insulin, eventually leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
M&Ms
Now, let's meet the other contender: classic M&Ms. While these candy-coated chocolates are a fan favorite, they also have some drawbacks. They contain artificial food dyes and flavorings. Similar to Skittles, M&Ms come in many varieties and flavors. One of the best varieties of this candy is the peanut M&Ms. These specific M&Ms will have more protein and calcium than their plain counterparts.
Spooky Success
M&Ms won this battle with a TKO! Both candies have their drawbacks, but M&Ms take the victory with their peanut variety’s protein content and the lower sugar content of their fun-size pack, making them a better choice for your sweet tooth.
Pro Tip: Load Up on Veggies
Vegetables are essential in keeping blood sugars stable. They are nutrient-dense, which means they are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals in relation to their low-calorie intake. Fiber slows the absorption of carbohydrates, leading to the ideal slower rise and fall of glucose levels.
Before enjoying your dessert or indulging in candy, try eating fiber-rich vegetables to curb your blood sugar spikes. Not a fan of the green stuff? Check out some of these interesting ways to include vegetables in your diet.
Discover how your body responds to what you eat, and make small changes to hit your health goals
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions left, please keep reading! Below, we answer frequently asked questions regarding healthiness level and nutrient intake:
Why does candy raise my blood sugar levels?
Most candy has a high glycemic index rating. The glycemic index is a scale of 0-100 that ranks carbohydrates based on how they affect your blood sugar levels.
Although individual responses can differ, foods with a lower score tend to raise your blood sugar more slowly than foods with a higher score. To keep your blood sugar levels stable, you can eat mostly foods low on the glycemic index.
How can I add candy to my diet?
Opt for fun-size packs that help you practice portion control. If this is not an option, try eating a filling, fiber-rich meal before indulging in dessert. This will naturally help you feel fuller and lead to eating fewer calories overall.
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