A Bite-Sized Perspective on Candy, Cravings, and Your Wellness Goals
As the world has started buzzing again post-COVID, chances are you’re heading out a little more. Maybe it’s a movie night, and as you stroll past the ticket kiosk, a bright yellow box of Peanut M&M’s stops you in your tracks. You think about grabbing it but hesitate with that familiar voice in your head: “Would Jenn give this a thumbs up?” While I hope you’re not walking around with me narrating your snack decisions, let’s be honest—it’s a fair question. So, let’s talk about this go-to treat and how it plays into your health and wellness goals. And heads up: the answer might surprise you.
If you’ve checked out my piece on carrots, you might remember the terms glycemic index and glycemic load. Just to refresh, glycemic index tells us how quickly a food is likely to spike our blood sugar, and glycemic load tells us how much of it we’d need to eat to actually see that spike. Thanks to the fat and protein in the peanuts, the glycemic index of Peanut M&M’s is relatively low at 33. But because they’re also loaded with sugar—that’s what makes them delicious, after all—the glycemic load is high. In plain terms, even a small amount can spike your blood sugar more than you might expect.
So, what does that mean for your body? Blood sugar has a huge role in metabolic health and fat storage. When blood sugar rises too quickly or stays high, the body responds by storing fat. That low glycemic index might seem like a green light, but don’t let it fool you into thinking they’re a free-for-all. Common sense is still key here. Yes, the numbers say one thing, but your body responds to the whole picture.
So, should you swear off Peanut M&M’s forever? Absolutely not. I don’t believe in cutting things out completely. That’s not realistic wellness. We’re talking about a balanced diet here—not perfection. You already know refined sugar isn’t your body’s best friend, but enjoying a few Peanut M&M’s every once in a while? That’s not going to derail your progress. You’re allowed to make a conscious choice and enjoy the treat without guilt. And truthfully, if you’re going to have candy, Peanut M&M’s might be one of your better options thanks to the protein and fat from the peanuts.
Just remember: sugar is like salt—it’s an acquired taste. The more you have, the more you want. So if it’s a once-in-a-while thing and not your daily snack, you’re totally fine. Go see the movie. Laugh, cry, enjoy the moment. And if it feels right for you, savor a few Peanut M&M’s. That’s what real health and wellness looks like.