Who doesn’t love Halloween candy? But sugary treats can throw us off our regular, healthy diet. Here are some Healthy Halloween Tips to help you (and your kids, if you have them) moderate those sweet treats.
Manage the Haul
If your kids bring home a lot of candy after trick-or-treating, or you have a lot of sweets left over from a party, here are some ideas to manage the sweet treat haul.
Allow yourself or your kids a few treats each day for the first week after Halloween.
Spread out treats to once a day after the first week.
After a few weeks, assess how much you have left. Consider donating them, baking with them, or throwing out the excess.
Time Your Treats
When you eat your treats matters as much as how much you eat. Remember these guidelines when you snack.
Have candy after a meal. You’ll eat less, and saliva produced from eating your meal will neutralize acids and wash away sugar particles.
If you offer candy as a snack, pair it with fiber or protein, like an apple with some peanut butter. You’ll feel full faster.
Try not to offer candy as a reward for finishing a meal or as a bribe for good behavior. That can turn the treat into a prize that provides the wrong motivation.
Consider Non-Treat Options for Halloween
You can think about other options for “treats” to give out for Halloween.
Stickers
Glow sticks
Crayons and coloring books
Bubbles
Bouncy balls