Is it possible to have a healthy Halloween?
On Halloween, kids fill their bags with candy and chocolate while trick-or-treating and adults eat their fill of sweets at costume parties.
While a sugar-induced coma may seem inevitable on Halloween, Lynne Wentz, a diabetes educator at Advocate Trinity Hospital in Chicago, shares some healthier treats to prevent sugar overload.
While Wentz says she won’t deny kids the opportunity to get Halloween candy, there are healthy Halloween options for both children and adults.
“I tell adults the first snack they should have available for people are different kinds of cheeses,” says Wentz. “It’s a good start, and then something healthy like turkey meatballs would be a great way to pair it.”
A fruit platter is another alternative for those who crave something sweet without going overboard.
Since candy is high in sugar, Wentz says there are other alternatives for kids who want a fun and chewy Halloween snack.
“If you want a snack for the season, give kids bags of pumpkin seeds. It can give you that salty but not too sweet flavor,” she says.
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers a few tips for a healthier Halloween:
- A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
- Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
- Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
- Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.
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health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
Mmmmm. . . . not sure how going trick-or-treating necessarily results in a sugar coma. Seems to be quite a stretch. But what would one expect? Heaven forbid kids have a little fun. Healthy road trips, health after-game snacks. I wonder when people can eat what they with an “expert” suggesting otherwise.