Stay Healthy Through Halloween and Beyond

Halloween is just days away, and this time of year is when children and adults alike stockpile sweets - find out some alternatives to stay health this season.

Halloween is a frighteningly delicious time for children and adults to stockpile sugary snacks. So it’s important for everyone to limit the amount of candy kids collect and snack on as well as what we keep in the house during the trick or treating celebrations.

There are several things you can do this time of year to reduce candy consumption for you and your family both before and after the trick or treating. A direct assault on Halloween overload would be to host a Halloween party for your kids, complete with costumes and non-food prizes.

Serve up healthy party foods such as fresh vegetables and dips, baked chips and crackers, and cheese and lean meats with whole grain breads for make-it-yourself sandwiches. You can also serve warm apple cider and plenty of water instead of soda and sports drinks.

If you don’t opt for a party, here are some more helpful hints to keep your family (and possibly co-workers) from the candy jar:

Don’t buy Halloween candy early: buying it the day before Halloween might save you money as stores are sure to start mark downs. On top of saving money you won’t be tempting your family to eat too much before the trick-or-treating begins. 

Divide and conquer. After Halloween, place two or three individually wrapped treats into a plain paper bag. Seal the bags and mark with a date over the next two weeks. Allow your child (or yourself!) a treat bag that is marked for each day. 

How to keep the candy out of your house altogether? Give out individually packaged non-sugary treats such as nuts, raisins, 100% fruit leathers, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or microwave popcorn.

Some other great suggestions include: a mix of inexpensive Halloween-themed toys from craft or home stores, you can even give out spooky toys like rubbery rats or bats, and plastic eyeballs.

All kids get thirsty running around trick or treating, so mini bottles of water or 100% juice boxes are also a great option. Some other tips SupermarketGuru picked up from around the web include: glow sticks or glow necklaces, pencils and mini pads of paper themed for Halloween or even toothbrushes! If you’ve been collecting party favors all year, it’s the time to re-gift! Temporary tattoos or stickers are also always welcomed by kids.

The are many alternatives for this sweet time of the year, kicked off by Halloween, so start preparing now as Halloween is just days away. There is no need to gain the holiday weight, so make it your challenge to keep you and your family health this holiday season.