Tips for managing candy and treats overload at Halloween

October 7, 6:24 PMLA Parenting ExaminerRebecca Lacko

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6 doable tips for trick-or-treaters and their well-meaning
parents

For what does the bell toll? It tolls for calories, sugar and fat.

The annual ritual of trick-or-treating is nigh. Frighteningly, miniature renditions of Hannah Montana and Captain Jack Sparrow will be ringing our doorbell, eager to collect ghoulishly sweet, teeth-rotting treasures.

For parents who encourage their kids to eat healthy throughout the year, Halloween is a scary time indeed. Thankfully, more and more families are opting to hand out non-candy treats such as stickers, a glow stick or a low-fat crunchy snack. However, most children will receive a sizable bounty of junk food: miniature chocolate confection, bubble gum, hard candy and taffy, certain to wreak havoc on little teeth. 

• Fill it up. Feed children a full, nutritious meal before heading out to trick-or-treat. This discourages them from devouring candy while out on the trail.
• Barter a trade. Offer coins or a coveted toy (or special outing) in replace of the candy.
• Do your research. Some dentist offices have actually started implementing candy buyback programs the day after Halloween. Kids receive a monetary reward, while the candy gets shipped to different organizations like US troops abroad.
• Treat others. Donate sweets to a local food bank.
• Portion control. Ration the candy and pack in zip lock bags. One or two small treats after a meal will satisfy that sweet tooth. Remember, It's no longer "fun-size" when the child in possession of pounds of the stuff!
• Help another parent out.  Hand out non-candy treats such as a low-fat snack pack. (Psst, Pirate’s Booty is trans-fat, gluten and tree nut free, so it’s perfect for most every kid. Plus, Pirate’s Booty only has up to 130 calories per serving, so if you have a few left over, moms and dads can enjoy without guilt!)