Don’t let Halloween trick you this year. This is the time of year when BIG bags of candy show up on the shelves of all the stores we frequent. Just because its a “holiday”, doesn’t mean you should stray too far from your healthy habits.
Here are some tips to help keep Halloween Healthy in your household this year:
- Don’t buy candy too early. Stores put the candy out early because they know you’ll buy it, eat it before Halloween, and then buy more. Don’t fall for their antics!
- On the contrary, resist the November 1st sale on Halloween candy, as well. Although it seems like a “good buy”, you don’t need the extra sugar or calories.
- Don’t buy treats you actually like. This sounds silly, but if you don’t like whats in your house, you’re less tempted to EAT it before or after the trick-or-treaters.
- Opt out of contributing to childhood obesity and tooth decay and give out healthier treats. You’re right, nobody wants to be the house on the street who is giving out boxes of raisins. But, here are a few ideas that kids will still enjoy:
- chocolate covered raisins
- chocolate covered almonds
- mini pretzels
- animal crackers
- goldfish
- spider rings
- deck of cards
- Halloween pencils
- glow bracelets
- stickers
- temporary tattoos
For those of you who have kids that will bring home pounds of candy on Halloween night, here’s a few things to keep in mind on their behalf:
- Feed your kids a nutritious meal before they go out. Maybe if they’re not hungry, they’ll be less likely to gorge on the candy when they get home. Maybe??
- Set rules about candy eating. Obviously, not a great idea to let your kids eat their entire stash the first night. Break it up into plastic sandwich bags and parcel it out over several days.
- Have the kids “trade” their candy in for a toy they’ve had their eye on.
- Take leftover candy to work, or meetings – as adults have much more control!!
Keep in mind Halloween only happens once a year. Piles of candy is what the little ones dream about. So, let them (and yourself) indulge….in moderation.