Candy Dish Blog

The Voice of Mom beat me to the punch on this but I figure it is important enough to mention here as well. Candy is a delicious, fun part of our lives but we have to stay healthy while enjoying it.

The following tips for parents and children to enjoy a happy, healthy Halloween come from a recent NCA press release:

Eat before you trick-or-treat. Serve a nutritious dinner before your children set out for a night of candy-collecting. Your kids will be happier and more full, which will help reduce the temptation to eat candy at each trick-or-treat stop. During the meal, take the opportunity to discuss Halloween safety, as well as the importance of healthy eating and lifestyle choices.

Sort and save. Allow your kids to enjoy some of their Halloween bounty. Then work with them to portion out two or three treats in small bags. Create a week’s-worth of bags to accompany nutritious school lunches or to serve as after-school snacks.

Mix things up. To give candy a healthy punch, consider making your own trail mix. Combine raisins, peanuts and even cereal with your child’s favorite candy or chocolate treat.

Practical pairings and portion control. Try pairing caramels with an apple or a snack-sized candy bar with a banana.

Make it or break it. Most candies now come in snack-size. For the ones that don’t, break them into sections and store them separately to make your own miniature sizes!

Do you have any other tips to add? What do you do to make Halloween a fun, healthful holiday?

Halloween Peeps by Poppy Wright