Low calorie Halloween treats

October 30, 2:48 PMIndianapolis Diets ExaminerCathy Chambers

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Halloween generates more revenue for candy manufacturers than any other holiday. Most Americans associate Halloween with trick or treating, the custom of costumed children going door to door and collecting candy and other treats from friends and neighbors.

While passing out treats, sip on a low calorie soft drink to help resist the urge to nibble from the candy bowl. Or take the time to place treats in individual bags and seal them with a staple. Studies have shown that people are less likely to indulge in snacking if the snack food is not easily accessible.

Offer trick or treaters a non candy treat. Children love getting pencils, rubber spiders and other inexpensive trinkets as much as they enjoy candy. Not only will you be keeping temptation at bay, you will be offering a treat that is sure to be popular. If you must pass out candy, choose a kind that is not your favorite.

After the holiday is over, you may be faced with a tempting collection of treats that threaten to destroy your healthy eating plan. Don't give up your weight loss plan. Choose one of these low calorie treats instead.

1. M&M's: One fun sized pack of M&M's contain 100 calories and about 4 grams of fat. Resist the urge to eat them by the handful and enjoy every bite.

2. Tootsie Roll Pops: Everyone knows that Tootsie Roll Pops are meant to be savored until you get to the chewy chocolate center. At 80 calories and 0 grams of fat, they are a delicious treat.

3. Three Musketeers Fun Sized Mint Bars: At only 63 calories and 2.3 grams of fat. These dark chocolate treats are a safe splurge.

4. Candy Corn: This traditional Halloween favorite has 70 calories and 0 fat in 11 pieces.

If chocolate is not your weakness, consider these alternatives to candy. Instead of chewy, fruity candy try substituting a small box of raisins. Raisins contain about 45 calories in a mini box, they have no fat and the sugar they contain is natural. Sugar free gum is another alternative to candy. Take time to plan your daily splurge. Elaine Magee, MPH, RD  of WebMD suggests that planning how many pieces of candy you will eat can help control splurging. Her article on WebMD offers many simple exchanges to help control the urge to snack on holiday candy.

Above all,  relax and enjoy yourself. Have a happy Halloween.