Have a Healthy Halloween

I have fond memories of Halloween as a child.  However, as an adult, I have mixed feelings. Now, Halloween means that there are going to be hundreds of children in costumes walking up to your door, ringing the door bell, and shouting “Trick or Treat!”

If you are a nice person, then you will give them a treat.
If you are a “meany” then you will not answer the door and they will probably “toilet paper” your house.
If you are a cheapskate then you will park your car inside of the garage, turn off all of the lights in your home, and act like you are not there.

Nice People

You nice people will probably give the kids some sort of sugary candy such as candy corn or jolly ranchers. However, with childhood obesity on the rise, sugary candies are not the best treats for American kids.

I am not saying that kids should not get any candy on Halloween. What would Halloween be without candy? Candy is okay in moderation. However, since everyone else in your neighborhood will be giving unhealthy treats, you should consider some healthier options.

Healthy Halloween Treats

Below I have a list of possible treats to toss in the bags of trick-or-treaters.

Nuts: Individual packages of nuts are an inexpensive and relatively healthy treat for children. They have a low glycemic-load and plenty of healthy fats.

Kashi Chewy Granola Bars: Kashi Granola Bars are the closest thing to a healthy granola bar that can be found in your average grocery store.

South Beach Living Snacks: South Beach Living has a variety of low calorie and moderate glycemic-load snacks. Most of them are actually pretty tasty. They have snack bars, granola clusters, snack packs, and cookies. Learn more on the Kraft Foods website.

Oatmeal: We all know about the benefits of oatmeal. Individual instant packets are not as healthy as regular oatmeal. However, they are better for you than most breakfast cereals and Halloween candy.

Nabisco 100 Calorie Packs Wheat Thins Toasted Chips Minis, Multi-Grain: Tasty low calorie snack.

100 calorie mini popcorn bags: These little bags of popcorn give you popcorn taste with calorie-controlled portions.

Best Candy Options

Some of you are hard core Halloweeners and you cannot imagine not giving candy. You should consider these options:

Fun Size M&M’s: Peanut M&M’s are my favorite candy. They are not healthy but they are one of the least unhealthy candy bars. The peanuts and the candy shell decrease the glycemic-load of these sweets.

Sugar-free candies: These are candies made with low or no calorie sweeteners. They taste almost the same. The only problem is that the sugar alcohols in some of them could send a kid to the bathroom for 30 or 40 minutes.

One-third of American children are overweight. Do your part to curb childhood obesity by giving healthier options this Halloween.

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