There’s nothing scarier than weight gain and dental cavities brought on by gorging on unhealthy, super-sweet, fatty candy.  This Halloween, make sure that the neighborhood kids have something to take home that makes them happy, and keeps them healthy too.

Offer healthier snacks

Substitute sugary treats for snacks and candies that are somewhat healthier. Consider handing out single-serving size bags of nuts, trail mix or dried fruits.  

Be innovative. Offer a combination of popcorn and peanuts that are coated with sweet caramel. Children love caramel, and these treats are a combination of sweetness, dietary fiber from the popcorn, and protein in the form of peanuts.

Go fat-free

Go for lollipops in interesting colors and shapes, and specifically, look for lollipops that are made from natural fruit and vegetable dyes. These don’t contain as much sugar, and help keep those little mouths busy and happy.

You can also offer sugar-free options like sugar-free bubblegum. Children love bubble gum, and might not even realize that it’s fat and sugar free.

Make your own healthy treats

If you’re making treats for your own kids and their friends, get creative in the kitchen. Remember, chocolate doesn’t have to be a complete deal breaker. There are ways to coat healthy foods with chocolate to attract kids, and make them happy, while ensuring that they get their dosage of essential nutrients.

Make fruit pops. Slice bananas, coat with dark or white chocolate, and freeze for an interesting, yet healthy snack that children will love. Consider chocolate-dipped raisins, cherries or strawberries. The chocolate will keep the children happy, while the fruits will provide the essential goodness that parents love.

Decorate little crackers to make spiders and other creepy crawlies. Use cream cheese, peanut butter and other ingredients to make interesting looking snacks, that will make the kids scream for more. Remember, there are a variety of ways that you can use little shreds of chocolate, cheese sticks, peanut butter, and other ingredients to dress up pretzels, crackers, celery stalks, and carrot sticks to make them look creepy. Use your imagination.

Consider giving small gifts

If you want to dump the candy altogether this Halloween, consider giving each little trick-or-treater a small, inexpensive toy. You can get toys like matchbox-sized cars, stickers, fancy pens and pencils, temporary tattoos, or super balls for significantly less than a dollar a piece.

Follow these tips, and parents will thank you for the healthy treats, while you feel better about contributing to the health of your neighborhood kids this Halloween! 

*Every individual is unique. Your results and progress may not be the same as our other clients. Results vary based on your starting weight, activity level, eating habits and your adherence to our program.