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PEP's Nutrition Suggestions:
Keeping kids healthy during
Halloween
What do pumpkins, witches and ghosts
all have in common? They are a sure sign that Halloween is
just around the corner! With childhood obesity on the rise
in the US the rate of which has doubled in the past 20
years what can be done to keep kids healthy, while
allowing them to indulge in the fun of Halloween and its
treats?
Here are some tips:
Fill kids bellies with a nutritious meal before they
head out for trick-or-treating. This way, they are less
likely to fill up on empty calorie foods. Giving kids
healthy foods first will reduce the chances of
overindulgence.
Pass out non-food treats: pencils, note pads, bubbles,
noisemakers, etc. If you have leftovers, these treats can
easily be stored for use the following year. Just be sure
not to pass out choking hazards to young children (coins,
rings, etc.).
Granola bars, pretzels, cheese and cracker packs, sugar
free gum, rice krispie treats, popcorn balls, raisins and
nuts are some healthy alternatives. (Note that raisins and
nuts are choking hazard for young children).
Pass out the smaller fun-sized candy bars, and only give
one or two not a handful to your trick-or-treaters.
Ration the stash: Total restriction of candy isnt
healthy; anything that is restricted or denied tends to
take on greater appeal. On the other hand, allowing your
child to devour an entire bag of candy is a sure bet for a
stomachache. Stick to small servings by only allowing your
child one or two pieces of candy per sitting as a dessert
after a healthy meal.
A few days after Halloween, put the candy out of sight
and out of mind. You can ration out the treats later.
Buy your Halloween candy at the last minute to avoid
tempting yourself and other family members.
Brush your teeth: Halloween candy, as well as any
sticky, sugary food, can easily promote tooth decay. Make
sure children brush their teeth well after a candy snack
and before going to bed.
Keeping these tips in mind shows that Halloween can remain
scary, delicious and healthy fun for children and adults
alike!
Some Web sites to look for:
www.ahealthyme.com/
www.newsforparents.org |
