Halloween is approaching quickly. Not only do we look forward to choosing costumes, going to parties and roaming whichever neighborhood gives out the best treats – we crave the candy. It’s the best part of Halloween.
Halloween inundated with costumes and fun, and it also marks the beginning of a holiday season full of tasty food and sugary treats. If we aren’t careful, one night of treats can easily turn into three months of overindulgence.
This time of year, it’s important to understand that health and merrymaking are not mutually exclusive. As adults, we need to find the balance between the two. Our little ones are watching, and while they’re partaking in family traditions, they’re also developing habits, as perfect or imperfect as they may seem.
Halloween Candy
There are many opinions out there about how much candy is appropriate for our kiddos, but not every family is the same, and there are no standards or guidelines regarding how much Halloween candy a child should have. It’s up to every family to determine what works for them. The focus should be enjoying the season and time with our loved ones. Depriving ourselves of a sugary treat here and there can dampen the fun and can contribute to an unrealistic relationship with food.
So in the interest of keeping our children happy and healthy, all while preventing dental cavities, let’s discuss fun-size treats.
5 Tips for Managing Halloween Candy
- Before leaving the house for trick-or-treating, serve the family a healthy and satisfying meal. With a full belly, kids (and adults) are less likely to binge on candy as soon as they get it.
- If there is a chance your child may get hungry after dinner and before the trick-or-treating festivities, offer a healthy snack to keep them satisfied. Snacks include:
- Cheese and crackers
- Fruit and nut or seed butter
- Granola bar
- Popcorn
- Also steer clear of sugary drinks and juices before heading out. Hydrate with water and take some extra water bottles when out and about.
- If there is a chance your child may get hungry after dinner and before the trick-or-treating festivities, offer a healthy snack to keep them satisfied. Snacks include:
- Hand out treats other than candy. This will not only help out other parents, but it will cut down on the available candy in your home. Fun treats to give out on Halloween night include:
- Pre-packaged snacks including fruit snacks, Goldfish, pretzels and Pirate’s Booty
- Toys such as stickers, temporary tattoos, false teeth, wind up toys, pencils and Play-Doh
- This option is also preferred for children affected by food allergies. If you’re passing out non-food items, make sure to place a teal pumpkin by your door.
- Remember to avoid small objects that can be a choking hazard for younger kids.
- Fully enforce the “parent tax.” After all the prepping, planning and walking, you deserve some of the Halloween spoils as well! But take this as an opportunity to model self-control for your kids. Providing that you and your family can safely consume a little bit of excess sugar, teaching your children to enjoy sweets in moderation will serve them well in the long run.
- Indulge in a reasonable (agreed upon) amount of candy for one night and then one piece per day going forward. With a good candy haul, the family can enjoy this candy until the Christmas candy begins to roll in!
- To prevent temptation, store the Halloween loot in the pantry – out of sight, out of mind.
- Pick out a few of your favorites, then get rid of the rest.
- Leave a bucket of unneeded candy out Halloween night for the Switch Witch.
- Buy back program: Make an arrangement with your kids to buy back the candy they don’t decide to keep.
- Donate candy to those that serve and protect us.
DISCLAIMER: This information is designed for customer use only and does not represent the advice of a medical health professional. Please contact your doctor for explicit advice.
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