Halloween’s a time for all things junk food, but your family can still enjoy the holiday with treats that’re no tricks, but healthy and tasty snacks.
As kids get ready for dressing up or attending Halloween parties, you may think that junk food is inevitable. But there are several healthy and delicious snacks that can both keep your kids happy and their bodies healthier.
Tips for trick-or-treaters
- Enjoying a healthy meal before adventuring out curbs the urge to snack on the less-than-desirable treats that’ll be dropped into your child's bag. It’ll also curb the temptation to gobble up candy and other items on the spot.
- Size matters when it comes to Halloween trick-or-treaters. Giving your child a smaller bag, you’ll take home fewer goodies. Once the bag’s full, it’s time to go home. Encourage your child to only take one item rather than a handful of snacks, even if offered.
- Talk with your child before trick-or-treating. Tell this is a fun time to enjoy together, but it’s also a great time to talk about moderation. Yes, the occasional treat is fun to have, but having a binge session with candy and other treats will most likely end with a tummy ache. Knowing this beforehand may help your child think twice before trying to eat every piece of candy in the bag at once.
Party preparations
If you are hosting a Halloween get together rather than a typical trick-or-treating event, make sure that the food you serve is both fun and healthy.
- Fearfully Fun Foods – Halloween is time for some old-fashioned scary fun. Turn healthy foods into scary snacks like banana ghosts. Peel a banana and cut off the end. Pop on two chocolate chips for eyes and you've got a Halloween treat that’s both healthy and fun. The internet can be a goldmine for delicious and healthy fun treat recipes.
- Mummy Moving – It’s inevitable that some candy will be consumed — offset the extra calories and keep the kids moving. Plan games or activities to keep them on their feet. Have a Monster Mash dance contest or musical chairs.
- Delicious Drinks – Rather than serving soda or other sugary beverages, go for water flavored with sugar-free additions to change the color, juices, etc.
Healthy helpings
If you’re handing out treats from your home, don’t buy bags and bags of unhealthy candy. You’ve options when it comes to what you hand out to trick-or-treaters. Give out non-edible items as well! Some healthy options include:
- Packages of dried fruits or nuts
- Juice boxes
- Graham crackers
- Glow sticks
- Bubbles or bubble makers
- Temporary tattoos
- Crayons and coloring books
No matter how you celebrate, you have healthy options available. There’s no harm in indulging in the occasional treat — but having health options can be just as fun. For more tips on how living a happier and healthier life during the holidays and throughout the year, visit GetHealthyLiveWell.org.