There is nothing like the anticipation a child gets as they wait on the other side of a door on Halloween night. Will the trick-or-treater be greeted by a ghoul, witch or a superhero? It is easy for adults to get caught up in the sale and availability of candy this time of year. However, consider how many sweet treats children are offered this season, and strive to be a superhero who models healthy choices by offering unique treat options.
Healthier Alternatives
When a trick-or-treater rings your doorbell this year, what will you give them? Get creative by offering some of the following tasty treats that are popular with children and also provide fiber, minerals and vitamins.
Healthier Food Treat Options:
- Trail mix
- Mini box of raisins
- Applesauce cups
- Popcorn
- Granola bars
- Mini box of whole grain cereal
- Fruit cups made with fruit juice
- Fruit snacks made with real fruit juice
Halloween Treats Don’t Have to be Food!
Children and adults alike love toys, games and goodie bags. Non-food options to influence physical activity is another great option. Why not promote activity with a treat?
- Jump rope
- Sidewalk chalk
- Bubbles
- Yo-yo
- Glow stick
- Hacky sack
Additional Non-food Treats:
- Temporary tattoos
- Wax fang
- Spider ring
- Pens, pencils or erasers
- Seasonal stickers
Tricks for Managing Treats:
- If you are giving candy, provide bite-sized candy bars to control portion.
- Give your own children a healthy meal before going out to trick-or-treat so they are less likely to overindulge.
- Remind children to brush and floss their teeth at the end of the evening.
- Have a plan for excess treats.
- Consider freezing for later enjoyment
- Donate to a food pantry, shelter or local Halloween candy collection site
Not only does providing alternative treats make you a superhero in your community, but it can also help you minimize the temptation for eating too much candy yourself!
Adapted from Family Matters “Trick Your Treating“, October 2017
