As fun as it is to dress up in costume on Halloween, for most kids, the highlight of this October holiday is the candy loot acquired during trick-or-treating. While there's nothing wrong with a sweet treat here and there, the problem comes from the huge consumption of large amounts of candy that occurs during and after collecting. According to the California Milk Processors Board, the average Jack-O-Lantern bucket holds about 250 pieces of candy, amounting to about 9,000 calories and about three pounds of sugar! And most kids collect more than a bucket-worth... yikes!
While Americans are expected to spend $2.5 billion on Halloween candy in 2016, according to the National Retail Foundation, the figure is down from last year's $2.6 billion. Though small, there is definitely a downward trend echoing an increased desire among parents to limit their kids' candy consumption. But how can we reduce our kids' sugar intake on Halloween while still having fun this holiday is known for? Here are a few tips and ideas.
1. Set limits - Talk to your children before Halloween and agree ahead of time on how many pieces of candy they are allowed to eat during and after trick-or-treating, as well as in the days that follow.
2. Opt for "healthier" candy options - Do your research ahead of time to determine which candy has fewer calories or sugar than others and encourage your kids (and yourself) to reach for those instead.
3. Fill up with a well-balanced meal - Make sure the kids eat a healthy dinner before heading out to any trick-or-treating activities as this will reduce sugar cravings and hopefully candy consumption too.
4. Give out non-candy treats - There are lots of fun treats to give out to trick or treaters instead of candy (refer to our list of 110 non-candy ideas) and your kids may be willing to trade some of their loot for these goodies too. Be sure to set out a teal pumpkin at your door step to signify you have non-food items to give out so children with food allergies can be included in the fun of trick-or-treating (learn more about the Teal Pumpkin Project here).
5. Start a Switch Witch tradition - Let the Switch Witches of Switchcrafted help your kids trade in sugary Halloween treats for a larger non-candy item like a toy, book or electronic game. Or create your own version of an invisible "candy fairy" that comes on Halloween night to make the switch while the kids are sleeping.
6. Sell back excess candy - Many dentist offices offer a Halloween candy buy-back program with treats collected sent to the troops serving overseas; Operation Shoebox accepts individual candy donations year round.
7. Skip trick-or-treating for a fun family activity - Older kids especially may be willing to pass on trick-or-treating and opt for an experience instead. Skip the candy and head out to a haunted attraction, movie, corn maze, ghost tour or any fun activity your child would enjoy for lasting memories without the calories (find great local ideas in our Fall Fun Guide)!
Wishing you and your family a Happy Halloween!
