Healthy Halloween

Is it really possible to enjoy a healthy Halloween? Halloween is about the candy, right? Well, if you’re a kid it is. So how do we grownups help our little “monsters” have a healthier and still enjoyable Halloween? For starters, how about some nice warm veggie soup with whole grain crackers and a slice of cheese before they head out the door to go trick or treating. That way they aren’t out collecting candy on an empty stomach. Next, whether you’re walking the neighborhood trick or treat route, or one of the many downtown merchant or mall treat nights, it is a way to get some exercise, and the kids are having so much fun they won’t even notice if you have them do some extra laps around the area. As far as handing out goodies to the trick or treaters that come to your front door, you can always go the non-food route by giving them stickers, temporary tattoos, pencils, creature shaped erasers, or those safety conscious glow bracelets. Remember when you get back to the house with your trick or treaters to go through and check the candy and goodies together, and set limits; two or three pieces of their Halloween candy per day should keep them in sweets almost up until Christmas!