How to Have a Healthier Halloween

When you think of October, people of all ages tend to think of Halloween and candy. You can celebrate in a healthy manner without giving up all the treats. You must learn to balance your intake with exercise and plan ahead for healthy meals/snacks. You should also view this holiday more as a time to dress up in costume, play games, participate in Halloween crafts, and celebrate with friends and family rather than a candy celebration.

It is important to work with your family on healthy eating throughout the year. Encourage healthy snacks but don’t battle over it. The most important habit to keep is eating a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don’t allow Halloween candy to substitute for fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. Also, try to dispose of the Halloween candy after a week or give it away.

Yale University’s Center for Eating and Weight Disorders conducted a research study to see whether children would choose toys over candy when offered both on Halloween. The researchers observed 284 kids between the ages of 3 and 14. They found that children were just as likely to choose toys as candy, regardless of gender!

(J Nutr Educ. Behav. 2003 Jul-Aug; 35 (4): 207-209)

Non-food treats, such as money, Halloween-themed stickers, temporary tattoos, bracelets, shoe laces, hair accessories, erasers, coloring books, comic books, puzzles, crayons, bubbles, and seed packets can be a hit with children. This Halloween, think healthy, instead of candy!!

Here are some ideas for healthier Halloween treats:

• Fresh fruit (apples, oranges) or fresh vegetables (small bag of baby carrots)
  
• Lunch-size bags of pretzels or whole-grain crackers
• Instant oatmeal packets (try Quaker Oats Lower Sugar Instant Oatmeal)
  
• Individual packages of raisins
• Whole-wheat Fig Newtons
• Low-fat graham crackers
• Granola bars (try Clif Kids Organic Spooky S'mores)
  
• Freeze-dried fruit bags (try Crispy Green bags)
  
• Fruit leathers (try FruitaBu Organic Smoooshed Fruit Products)
• 100% fruit juice boxes
• Individual bags of Lesser Evil Popcorn
  
• Sugar-free gum
• Organic lollipops (try Yummy Earth Organic Lollipops)

Have a happy and healthy Halloween!!

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