Easy Tips For A Healthier Halloween
Is there anything scarier than sugared up children acting like total demons? Brace yourself mama - it’s HALLOWEEN! I wish I could tell you that we skip the whole thing or that I take all of my kids’ candy and throw it into a big bonfire. But, no. As much as it hurts my mama nutritionist heart, I’m out their with all of the other deranged parents allowing their kids to fill their buckets with corn syrup, dyes, and hydrogenated oils. I do go about it with a little strategy, though, so thought I would share that with you here.
Lay the Groundwork
Eat a great snack or early dinner that contains protein, fats, and real-food carbohydrates (like fruits & veggies). The right balance of macros will allow your kiddos to go into Halloween with an even-keeled blood sugar level. If they go trick-or-treating on an empty stomach you can be sure they’ll want to gobble up all the candy right away. A few ideas for you…
1. Apple or banana with organic peanut butter
2. Kid snack plate/charcuterie board- hardboiled eggs, lunch meat, cheese, cut veggies and fruit with Primal Kitchen or Tessemae’s Ranch dressing for dipping
3. Trail mix- One yummy variation to try- almonds, dried blueberries, organic chocolate chips, and gluten-free pretzels!
Also, make sure your kiddos are well hydrated before they set out. That means water. Don’t add to their sugar load with sodas, juice or sports drinks. It’s worth the effort, since hydrated cells = healthy kids!
Swap Out The Candy Stash
We are so lucky that these days, there are so many options for leftover Halloween candy.
The key to these candy swap-outs is making sure your kids get something of value out of the exchange.
Option #1. Simple Swap
My kids have been exposed to healthy eating for years, and are familiar with the negative effects of sugar. Once we get home from trick-or-treating, I swap out their conventional candy for smaller quantities of upgraded options.
Some of our favorite brands include YumEarth & Little Secrets! The Food Babe has a great post with lots of swap options. You can find that here.
Option #2. The Switch Witch
Think of this as the Halloween tooth fairy! Kids leave their candy out overnight and the “switch witch” will take it. In its place, she will leave upgraded treats or toys/games the kids have been wanting. It’s a win-win situation for most kids- and works especially well with younger kids who don’t grasp why sugar isn’t good for them!
I hope this helps you keep this Halloween on the healthier (and saner!) side.
Let me know what your Halloween plans are below! :)
XOXO,