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October312012

Four Tips for A Healthy Halloween


Happy Halloween everyone!! I hope you have wonderful day planned, whether it be low-key, or full of adventures. Our day will be filled with school costume parades, parties, and of course, trick-o-treating. Last year was M’s first real Halloween. She kind of understood what was going on, but not really. This year, now that she’s three, she’s in full-blown Halloween mode. I try to emphasize the spirit of Halloween and the costumes, but one thing we can’t hide is the candy. Let’s be real here… Halloween = Candy. Here are four healthy tips to making your kid’s Halloween a healthy one.

  1. Feed them a healthy dinner before trick-o-treating: Filling them up with a healthy meal will slow down the unnecessary snacking
  2. Go for Moderation: Let them have a few pieces of candy (after you’ve gone through the candy) and enjoy it that night. From then on, let them have a piece or two for a snack for after a healthy dinner.
  3. For little kid’s, manage the candy stash: As I mentioned before, the night of Halloween I let M pick out some candy to enjoy, after that I put the candy away and (if she ask’s for it) I let her have one piece with her lunch or as a snack.The real challenge can be the week or two after Halloween when the candy is still lingering. Set a limit of two small pieces a day and it seemed to work. Do what’s right for your family. You can always donate the candy to get it out of the house completely.
  4. Don’t over healthify: Halloween is a once-a-year event that is tied to eating candy. When I was little, I remember getting bags of pennies, pretzels, or other little trinkets. While those were nice, all I wanted was the candy.  I believe that pushing healthier items during Halloween makes candy even more desirable and healthy not-so-desirable. I want my kid’s to enjoy the holiday and learn about balance at the same time. Focusing on the spirit of the holiday is what I aim to do.

Head over to Raise Healthy Eaters for more Healthy Halloween Tips.

4 Responses

  1. Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) said on October 31, 2012 at 9:48 am

    Definitely! They want candy. Love these tips! Perfect. I hope you’re having a blast with the little ones today! Love the costumes and LOVE your shoes!

  2. Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) said on October 31, 2012 at 10:08 am

    Such a cute picture! love it.

  3. Sarah said on October 31, 2012 at 12:08 pm

    Not related to this post (just the picture), but your family is adorable!

    • Estela - Weekly Bite said on November 1, 2012 at 11:39 am

      Thank you Sarah! That so sweet of you 🙂

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