Halloween is a fun time of the year to dress up, attend festivities and enjoy delicious treats! Although many children look forward to trick or treating and eating lots of candy, an overload on sweets is not always the best option for their health. Candy contains an abundant amount of added sugar, with zero nutrients, that can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
The good news is that Halloween can be made fun and healthy with simple substitutions. Opting to give away fruits, vegetables and healthy snacks over candy is a great way to ensure that children are getting their daily nutrients. Some alternatives to candy include:
- Mini boxes of raisins
- Clementines decorated like Jack-O-Lanterns (with non-toxic ink)
- Snack-sized packages of pretzels, popcorn, graham crackers, dried fruits/vegetables or nuts
- 100% real fruit strips, ropes or leathers
As for encouraging your own children to make healthier choices, start by feeding them a healthy meal before they go trick or treating or to a neighborhood party. Let them enjoy a few pieces of candy when they return home but put away their stash and disperse it in limited amounts each day. Recommend that they eat a piece of fruit and drink a glass of water with each piece of candy they consume. Freeze their candy for later or use it as decorations on gingerbread houses or holiday wreaths and centerpieces. Teach them to share by mailing it to the troops overseas.
The American Heart Association provides an array of creative, healthy treats to serve this Halloween whether it’s for your family, party guests or trick-or-treaters. For more tips visit: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/how-to-have-a-healthy-halloween
AHA Charlotte 