Want to see something really scary this Halloween?
Check the ingredients on your favorite candy. There’s not much more than sugar. We all have room for sweets in moderation. You can enjoy a piece or two but it is best to plan for a healthy balance of sweet treats with some healthier options.
Here are so healthy Halloween treat ideas that are perfect for trick or treaters or class parties.
· Yogurt Raisins
· Granola Bars
· Craisins
· Crispy Fruit
· Fruit Snacks
· Pretzels
· Goldfish
· Graham crackers
· Popcorn
· Trail Mix
You can also try non-food gifts for trick or treaters!
Not everything has to be food based. In fact, sometimes a little toy can be fun when buckets of candy become almost expected. Here are some ideas: Glow sticks, stickers, pencils, erasers, toothbrushes, bouncy ball, bubbles, balloons, temporary tattoos, mini flashlights just to name a few.
What to do with excess candy?
Afraid you’ll be dealing with an excess of Halloween treats until long after Valentine’s Day?
· Let each child keep enough candy to have one or two pieces a day for one or two weeks (long enough for the excitement to wane). Throw away, donate or re-purpose the rest.
· When your child asks for a piece of candy, pair it with a healthy snack: an apple, a banana, some nuts, or celery with peanut butter.
· “Buy back” candy from your child with money or tokens they can trade in for a fun activity: a day at the zoo, an afternoon playing at the park, going ice skating, or a day at the pool.
· Some dentists’ offices have buy-back or trade-in programs, too.
· Save it for holiday baking.
· Save it to fill the piñata at the next birthday celebration or give out with Valentine cards.
· Use it in an arts and crafts project or to decorate a holiday gingerbread house.
· Donate excess candy to a homeless shelter, children’s hospital, or care package program for troops overseas. A familiar sweet treat from home can be comforting at the holidays.
Why try healthier options this Halloween?
Reduce sugar, allergy friendly, setting an example in your home are all great reasons. Plan ahead for trick or treaters or class parties. It may not seem as easy as picking up a bag of candy but eating healthy during Halloween doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult. Control what you buy by purchasing healthier treat options and non-food gift ideas this Halloween season. Your house may not be the most popular stop in the neighborhood but most families will thank you!