Halloween is an exciting time for kids — from choosing their costumes to anticipating the treats they’ll collect from neighbors. Healthy eating habits don’t have to be abandoned. Here are some healthier options for treats to consider.
Make smart candy choices
Full-size candy bars end up providing an alarming amount of fat and sugar. Smart candy choices can reduce how much of those unhealthy ingredients your kids consume from their stockpile this Halloween.
Reading nutrition labels will help you select candies with lower quantities of calories, fat and added sugar. Even one fun size bar can have large amounts of all three. Our “Choose this, Not that” guide to popular candy options can get you started.
Alternatives to candy
Not all families feel comfortable handing out candy of any kind on Halloween. Instead, give out edibles that are higher in vitamins, minerals or fiber, for example:
• Raisins
• Oranges
• Pretzels
• Popcorn
• Trail mix
• Animal crackers
These snacks also make good additions to the school lunchbox after Halloween.
Treats you don’t eat
Skipping edible treats, regardless of their level of nutritional value, doesn’t mean your house can’t be a fun stop on Halloween. How about:
• Plastic spider rings
• Glow jewelry
• Crayons
• Stickers
• Temporary tattoos
• Toothbrushes
• Bubble soap
Avoid items that could be choking hazards for small children or that may have any harmful ingredients.
Healthy Snacks for Grownups
Stovetop Popcorn with Chili Powder and Dark Chocolate
A little sweet, a little spicy, this treat is easy to make and good for you. Find the recipe at http://cookieandkate.com/2012/how-to-make-stovetop-popcorn/, and visit cookieandkate.com for more healthy meal and snack recipes.
Spooky Veggie Tray
Design your crudité into a scary skeleton to make veggies more exciting. Choose hummus for a healthy dip option. Check out californiagrown.org for crafty ways to present other foods this Halloween.
