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Author:
Jennifer Anderson, MSPH, RDN
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I have magical childhood memories of making my own creative and friendly Halloween costumes and running from house to house to get pounds of candy. I love seeing my kids experience that same magic of dressing up and getting candy from neighbors too.
If you’re feeling stressed about all the candy and parties, let’s talk about how to stay chill about food during the Halloween sugar rush.
1. Choose fun, colorful snacks leading up to Halloween
I know my kids will have more access to candy around Halloween. So, it’s my job to feed them non-candy things whenever I have the choice. This is a good time of the year to serve less treats as part of the “normal routine” whenever I know they will be going to parties or gatherings with candy.
It’s still a great time to enjoy the holiday and have lots of fun though! Here are some easy ideas for super fun, cute, Halloween-themed snacks!
Black & Orange Berry & Cheese Stick: Alternate a blackberry with a cheese square on a long toothpick
Clementine Pumpkin: 1 Peeled Clementine & Celery Greens or A Green Toothpick
Orange Jack O Lantern Fruit Cup: Cut the top off an Orange and spoon out the inside, cut or draw a jack-o-lantern face on it. Fill it with mixed fruit.
Halloween Cut Outs: Use Halloween themed cookie cutters to cut shapes out of different colored cheeses, fruits, veggies & sandwiches! You can also use letter cookie cutters to spell out “BOO” or “Happy Halloween”
2. Give out toys instead of candy
Every single house on the street is going to have a different variety of candy. And you’re more than welcome to join them! You can also consider offering a toy option or just toys. Small toys can be just as much fun as candy and make a difference for a lot of kids. This helps kids who have allergies or food conditions be able to enjoy the holiday as well! No need to hand out toothbrushes & broccoli (although I’d happily accept those if I came to your door)…try these fun kid-approved ideas!
Stamps – You can get a 50 pack of Halloween stamps for just $10 – It’s way cheaper than candy alternatives AND it is fun all the time, not just for a short time.
Toy Assortment – There are some super fun mixed toy assortments out there. Instead of filling the bowl with candy, try these cute toys
Note: If your child asks why you’re choosing not to hand out candy this year, simply tell them you are trying something new that you think will be fun & different! No need to discuss anything negative relating to sugar.
3. Serve a balanced Halloween meal
My kids usually have ZERO interest in food on Halloween. Which is annoying, because I want them to load up on nourishing food before all that candy. There’s usually too much going on with last minute costume changes though. I focus on providing a large snack or simple meal though, that helps them stay full: Fiber + Protein + Fat = better sugar management
What they most need is protein to fill up those tummies, along with fat and fiber to slow down the sugar to their bloodstream. The more protein, fat, and fiber, the better their bodies will handle the candy they eat.
A simple option for a snack is whole milk plain Greek yogurt with frozen blueberries on top. Checks all the boxes for fat, protein, and fiber – in just a few bites. Having a simple meal of chicken with avocado and quinoa, or chili also works to fill them up before the candy.
I’d love to hear more of your ideas and how you manage Halloween! What is your family tradition?
About Kids Eat in Color
Created by experts, Kids Eat in Color is the leading resource for families seeking evidence-based information and strategies on child nutrition and feeding.
Jennifer Anderson is a registered dietitian and has a masters of science in public health from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. In 2019, she founded Kids Eat in Color®, a public health resource that improves child and family nutrition and mental health. Prior to starting Kids Eat in Color® she coordinated youth nutrition programs at a food bank, performed research in inner-city food deserts, and consulted for the USDA national office SNAP-Ed program. Her academic background is in public health nutrition, cultural anthropology, and economics.
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I have magical childhood memories of making my own creative and friendly Halloween costumes and running from house to house to get pounds of candy. I love seeing my kids experience that same magic of dressing up and getting candy from neighbors too.
If you’re feeling stressed about all the candy and parties, let’s talk about how to stay chill about food during the Halloween sugar rush.
1. Choose fun, colorful snacks leading up to Halloween
I know my kids will have more access to candy around Halloween. So, it’s my job to feed them non-candy things whenever I have the choice. This is a good time of the year to serve less treats as part of the “normal routine” whenever I know they will be going to parties or gatherings with candy.
It’s still a great time to enjoy the holiday and have lots of fun though! Here are some easy ideas for super fun, cute, Halloween-themed snacks!
2. Give out toys instead of candy
Every single house on the street is going to have a different variety of candy. And you’re more than welcome to join them! You can also consider offering a toy option or just toys. Small toys can be just as much fun as candy and make a difference for a lot of kids. This helps kids who have allergies or food conditions be able to enjoy the holiday as well! No need to hand out toothbrushes & broccoli (although I’d happily accept those if I came to your door)…try these fun kid-approved ideas!
Note: If your child asks why you’re choosing not to hand out candy this year, simply tell them you are trying something new that you think will be fun & different! No need to discuss anything negative relating to sugar.
3. Serve a balanced Halloween meal
My kids usually have ZERO interest in food on Halloween. Which is annoying, because I want them to load up on nourishing food before all that candy. There’s usually too much going on with last minute costume changes though. I focus on providing a large snack or simple meal though, that helps them stay full: Fiber + Protein + Fat = better sugar management
What they most need is protein to fill up those tummies, along with fat and fiber to slow down the sugar to their bloodstream. The more protein, fat, and fiber, the better their bodies will handle the candy they eat.
A simple option for a snack is whole milk plain Greek yogurt with frozen blueberries on top. Checks all the boxes for fat, protein, and fiber – in just a few bites. Having a simple meal of chicken with avocado and quinoa, or chili also works to fill them up before the candy.
I’d love to hear more of your ideas and how you manage Halloween! What is your family tradition?