Halloween Health

Children look forward to Halloween each year for the opportunity to dress up in costume and obtain candy from friendly neighbors. However, for health-conscious families, it is important to ensure that Beggars’ Night doesn’t become an unhealthy evening ending in a sugar free-for-all. From dinner beforehand, to handing out treats to the local youth, and snacking afterward, there are ways for families to enjoy the evening without the candy binge.

Prior to the festivities, families may consider a healthy, well-balanced dinner complete with lean protein, fruit, vegetables, a whole grain and low-fat dairy. Foods with fiber will also keep children feeling full longer, resulting in less sugar and candy consumption before retiring to bed.

Utilize healthier choices when offering treats to costumed youth. There are many alternatives to fun-sized candy bars, and a little forethought and creativity could benefit the health of trick or treaters. Options may include:

• Granola bars
• Small packs of dried fruit, pretzels, nuts, or seeds
• Single serving packets of low-fat microwavable popcorn
• Single servings of cereal
• Goldfish or animal crackers
• 100-calorie packs of various snacks
• Sugar-free hot chocolate packets
• Sugar-free gum

When shopping for healthy snacks for kids, choose items low in sugar and free from artificial preservatives. Giving out non-edible Halloween treats is a unique alternative, as well, including:

• Crayons
• Stickers
• Pencils
• Colored chalk
• Temporary tattoos
• Spider rings
• Play-doh® minis
• Glow stick jewelry

After the fun-filled night is over and kids return home with their bags of treats, consider portion control. Over-consumption of candy is not a good habit for children to acquire, and can increase their risk for many health problems. One way to avoid this issue is to allow only a certain amount of sweets per day. Children may appreciate this method in the long run because their hard-earned treats will last longer. Another suggestion is to incorporate the treats into a snack with nutritional value, such as topping celery with light cream cheese or peanut butter and peanut M&M’s®, or by creating a homemade trail mix.

Many military support groups, such as Operation Shoebox, accept candy donations and send the candy to deployed troops. In Licking County, Hopewell Dental Care in Heath participates in an annual buy-back program and exchanges money for excess Halloween candy through Operation Gratitude. This military support group then sends the collected candy overseas.

| Posted On : 10/1/2014 2:34:02 PM