Have a Healthy Halloween!

Halloween is known for it's trick or treating, costumes, and tons and tons of candy.

Candy is the only problem I have with this picture.

It seems as though every holiday has become a reason to give candy to children. While candy is tasty, it is not good for them. With the health issues and obesity in America rising, I think that we all could do with less candy.

How do you have a Healthy Halloween?

If you are the one who normally gives out candy, try giving these out instead:

• Little Boxes of Mini Raisins: They are still sweet, but they are dried fruit!
• Tiny flashlights*
• Halloween Stickers*
•  HalloweenToys*
• 100% Juice Juice Boxes

*A lot of discount stores and party stores have mini toys and party favors that are inexpensive and can be passed out instead of candy.

If you are a parent taking your kid trick or treating:

• Take your child trick or treating, but teach them that trick or treating is about the fun, not the candy.
• When you get home from trick or treating, have some healthy homemade treats for your kids! (Need some ideas? I'll post some links at the bottom of this post.)
• If you feel you must give your child candy, opt for the organic dye free candies, but please do limit them as  they still contain some sugar. 
• If you really are lazy at the whole healthy gig, then at least limit what your child has to 2-3 pieces of candy, then throw the rest out. Don't eat it, just throw it away. No one needs that much candy.

Here are some links on ideas and treats for a healthy halloween!

http://familyfitness.about.com/od/nutrition/a/healthy_halloween_treats.htm

http://familyfitness.about.com/od/nutrition/tp/halloween_candy_limits.htm

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/food/nutrition/nutrition/life_stages/hgic4112.html

I don't agree with everything in these lists, but they are a start. Scroll through and see what works for your family.

Keep Halloween FUN and SAFE this year!

Be Happy Healthy and Strong,

Lolli