Who doesn’t love Halloween with all the costumes, decorations, and treats? The sheer excitement and anticipation that comes along with the holiday are contagious amongst all ages. But all that trick or tricking comes with a price. A frightful fact is that the average child accumulates between 3500 to 7000 calories worth of treats on Halloween night. Yikes! With a little bit of planning, this historically sugar-laden evening can be a great time to teach kids about healthy behaviors by stressing moderation and balance. Read on for some quick suggestions for a healthier Halloween.
- Fill up with healthy food pre-Trick or Treating!
- Halloween Eve is not conducive to preparing a meal. Even sitting down to dinner can be challenging when Trick or Treaters are hitting the doorbell every 5 minutes. Halloween is on a Thursday night this year. Plan ahead with a quick, healthy meal that does not involve ordering out or picking up fast food!
- This easy Chicken and Rice Stew recipe is a one pot meal that the whole family can enjoy prior to hitting the Trick or Treating trail.
- Who doesn’t love a bowl of Tomato Soup and a grilled cheese sandwich? For a twist, try this healthier Grilled Cheese made with tomato and fresh spinach. Clearly a fair trade-off for the treats to come.
- Or, have a pot of Harvest Chili made with butternut squash and zucchini ready and waiting on the stovetop to nourish both the adults and kids of the house.
- Keep the kids moving.
- Physical activity is a beautiful thing. Most of the time we see kids walking from house to house on Halloween. However, younger children may be pushed in strollers or pulled in wagons. While you need to keep your family’s needs in mind, Trick or Treating should involve active participation whenever possible. Keep track of your steps with a smart watch or fitness tracker.
- Set an example.
- When it is time to purchase Halloween goodies, think about what you would want your own kids to come home with. We do not expect our neighbors to offer fresh fruit or healthy baked goods. However, a bag of pretzels, a granola bar, light popcorn, peanut butter crackers or a commercially packaged trail mix are all great options for trick or treaters. Kids will enjoy these items for a snack or perhaps part of their lunch. Or bypass food all together and hand out inexpensive school supplies, glow sticks, or stickers. This is where you can be creative!
- Sort and disperse.
- Have your child go through their candy when they get home. Sort out what they like and what they are willing to part with, and under what conditions. For example, your child might “trade” some of their candy for something they value, like a gift card or an outing with friends or family.
- Candy can be donated – check with local churches, schools or organizations – or look online to find candy donation drop off sites.
- Once a predetermined number of treats have been selected, decide with your children the best way they might enjoy their stash. For example, your child might have a piece of candy daily in their lunch, or for an after-school snack.
- Keep it out of site: Say NO to mindless eating
- This advice is two-fold. Adults may be tempted when candy is in the house. When buying Halloween candy, purchase your least favorite brand to reduce the urge to indulge.
- Keep candy in the pantry, the freezer or in a cabinet that is not easily accessed. Stick to the predetermined plan as to when and how much your children might enjoy at one time. When candy is on the kitchen counter in clear view, it is easy to indulge in something sweet instead of a healthier option.
- Double up.
- Pair a Halloween treat with something healthy. Offer a glass of milk, a piece of fruit or some veggies with dip along with that small piece of candy. Remember portion control is key!
- Repurpose some of the candy into healthier recipes. Perhaps break up a small candy bar and add to some yogurt. Make Chocolate Zucchini Muffins or Trail Mix using chopped candy bars. Melt down chocolate and make Chocolate Covered Strawberries or Banana S’mores. When in doubt, check out Pinterest ideas as to how to use up that extra candy!
