Having a Healthy Halloween

Having a Healthy Halloween

Halloween is almost here and – for a lot of us – that means candy, candy, and more candy. Of course, this is a fun time of year and one that many (especially children) look forward to. However, the amount of sugar consumed around Halloween – both at parties and post-trick-or-treating – can be detrimental to your health.

Here are a few tips for having a healthier Halloween.

Fill Up Before Going Out

Whether you’re going to a Halloween party, or door-to-door collecting treats, make sure to eat a healthy meal before you head out. When you’re full, you’re better able to control yourself and make healthy choices.

Serve Healthy Snacks

If you’re hosting a Halloween party, make sure to have some healthy snacks on hand in addition to the chocolate and candy. A fruit or vegetable platter is a great idea. You can cut fruit into spooky shapes, for instance, to make it more fun and festive.

Pass Out Alternative Treats

The treats you hand out at your door don’t have to be sugary snacks. Stickers, erasers, or small toys can be fun alternatives that children really enjoy.

Use a Smaller Bag

If you give your children giant bags (or pillowcases) when they go out trick-or-treating, they’ll be tempted to fill them up. Instead, send them out with a more reasonable bag and they may return home without carrying their body weight in sugar.

Snack in Moderation

If your kids come home with giant bags overflowing with candy, stress the importance of enjoying their treats in moderation. For instance, let them eat a few pieces on Halloween night and one or two a day for the next few days. This will prevent them overindulging while still allowing them to enjoy the Halloween spoils.

Consider a Trade

If your child collects enough candy to last for months, consider offering them a trade.  After they’ve had a chance to pick out their favorites, let them trade the rest of their candy to you in exchange for a small present or a privilege they are interested in (such as getting stay up late, go to a special movie, or whatever your child will like). Then you can donate their leftover candy to a worthy cause.

Some dentist offices and charities will even handle the trade themselves, offering children various items in exchange for leftover candy.