Trick or (healthy) treat

What’s scarier than ghosts and goblins and ghouls? For parents it’s the “sugar shock” that results when their children gobble sugar-loaded candy by the fistful on Halloween.  Moms don’t want to be wicked witches who spoil the trick-or-treat fun for their own little pirates and princesses, or to disappoint the transformers and zombies who come knocking at their doors—but what’s a parent who cares about diet and health to do this Halloween? 

 Candy is fine in moderation and everyone loves it.  However, it’s hard to eat anything in moderation. Halloween is an excellent time to be a good role model for your children.  Set the example by making a healthy choice for what will be passed out at your house on Halloween night.

Offer kids cereal bars, snack pretzels, individual boxes of raisins, peanuts, dried fruit or crackers and cheese, cereal boxes, string cheese, pudding or jello cups.

 There are fun alternatives available that promote health rather than encourage unhealthy high sugar and fat choices. 

For trick or treat bags, try toothbrushes, jump ropes, stickers, whistles, sidewalk chalk, pencils and erasers, crayons, mini kazoos, yoyos, adjustable rings, bubbles, pennies (they’re heavy and jingle like a chain).

 It is important for parents who encourage healthy eating habits to be consistent on holidays and special occasions.  While a special treat now and then is not going to harm anyone, it is important that kids not learn to associate celebrations, good behavior and special events as opportunities to gorge on sweets.