Tanner Health System MyChart


  • Home
  • 8 Healthy Treats You Can Hand out at Halloween

8 Healthy Treats You Can Hand out at Halloween

For health-conscious parents, thoughts of their kids bringing home buckets of Halloween candy filled with artificial ingredients, hydrogenated oils and tons of sugar may give them the heebie-jeebies.

And for good reason: Childhood obesity remains an American epidemic. More than 12 million U.S. children — about one in six — are living with obesity, according to the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

These children have an increased risk of developing a wide range of health problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. So when deciding what treats to provide trick-or-treaters who knock on your door or ring your doorbell this year, consider providing the following alternatives that will help kids have a happy — and healthy — Halloween.

All of the treats listed below can be found in prepackaged, single-sized servings at your local grocery store.

  1. Yogurt-Covered Raisins: This is a great alternative to chocolate-covered candy bars. Raisins may be considered a bit old fashioned, but the yogurt-coating gives them an added layer of delicious flavor.
  2. Granola Bars: Granola bars are a sweet treat packed with protein and fiber. Their ingredients list — which often includes fruits, nuts, seeds and whole-grain oats — is also less scary than those found on most Halloween candy.
  3. Pretzels: This salty treat is low in fat and provides nutrients like iron, potassium and vitamin E. It also adds to daily fiber intake (and whole-wheat pretzels provide even more fiber).
  4. Popcorn: Single-serve bags of popcorn are a great stand-in for cheesy tortilla chips made with artificial colors and sugar.
  5. Dried Cranberries: Cranberries aren’t just for Thanksgiving. Not only are they a sweet treat by themselves, kids can add them to their cereal and oatmeal the morning after Halloween — if there are some left over.
  6. Natural Fruit Leather: This is an even healthier alternative to the typical fruit snacks you find in grocery stores that include added sugar and artificial ingredients. Natural fruit leathers include 100-percent fruit ingredients with no synthetic colors, artificial flavors and preservatives.
  7. Juice Boxes: While water is the best option when it comes to kids quenching their thirst, handing out juice boxes is a healthier alternative than a can of soda. Make sure you grab the boxes filled with 100-percent fruit juice.
  8. Applesauce Cups: Applesauce is comfort food that’s a great source of natural fiber and vitamin C. When at the grocery store, opt for the natural brands with little sugar and no chemical additives.

When shopping for Halloween treats to give out this year, try to avoid snacks containing nuts in case there is a child with a nut allergy. If in doubt, non-food treats like Halloween-themed bubbles, pencils and stickers provide a fun, safe alternative. For more tips on how to live a happier and healthier life during the holidays and throughout the year, visit GetHealthyLiveWell.org.

Get Healthy, Live Well




0 Comment(s) so far | Skip to comment form



Name:
Email:
Address Line 1:
Address Line 2:
City:
State:
Zip:
Comments:
 

keyboard_arrow_up