3 Tricks to Treating Your Family to a Healthy Halloween

Do you battle your kids for weeks after Halloween, trying to make sure they don’t overdo it with the sugary treats they’ve brought home? And let’s face it; the tempting assortment of treats probably tests your willpower too.

This year, why not try some fun and healthy alternatives as you prepare for the night of ghosts and goblins:

Trick or (Healthy) Treat: Candy Alternatives

Consider handing out something besides candy. This offers kids a nice change of pace and something they’ll enjoy packing in their lunches for school. There are plenty of great options available:

• Mini-size granola bars
• Small bags of popcorn
• Boxes of raisins
• Mini bags of pretzels or animal crackers
• For a really healthy option, and if you have some extra time, draw jack-o’-lantern faces on clementines to hand out as a festive treat!

Go Completely Treat-Free

With an increase in the number of food allergies and intolerances, there are plenty of parents and trick-or-treaters who will appreciate non-food prizes. Look for pencils, stickers, temporary tattoos, fake teeth, and more in the party section of the store, where they’re often sold in bulk at this time of year.

Skip Trick or Treat Altogether

Forgo tradition and start a new one: plan a progressive dinner with friends. Each of you makes a Halloween-themed course and you travel from house to house to enjoy the home-cooked dishes. There are plenty of delicious and healthy fall foods to incorporate like pumpkin, squash, apples, and pears.

The Start of the Holiday Season

The biggest thing to keep in mind as we roll into the “holiday season” and all the treats and food it brings, is to always be mindful of your choices and plan ahead to stay away from temptation.