This article discusses healthy tips for halloween and how to limit halloween candy. We asked dietitians at Feed to Succeed: What are some healthy tips for limiting Halloween candy at your house?
“Since we won’t keep a lot of candy around, we will make other Halloween “treats” like pumpkin pancakes.”
“I try to keep it in perspective and remember Halloween only comes once a year”
So, I cannot lie. I LOVE halloween candy. I mean I really love it. I am honest with my kids about this. Halloween candy brings a lot of joy in our house. We don’t have much candy around other times of the year, so we enjoy it during this time. I don’t give my kids limits on the day/night of trick or treating. I ask them to be reasonable (they are a bit older and can semi-understand this) and don’t make themselves feel sick. When they come home from trick or treating, they like to sort it all out and trade it with each other and the neighborhood kids. We have neighbors who have nut allergies and Celiac Disease, so this is always part of the discussion and trading.
“I think it’s important that we address the social-emotional aspect of children with food allergies and food restrictions though.”
I’m with Amanda on this one. Halloween is fun, and let’s be honest, it’s a free pass for a night of indulgence. I typically recommend to clients to let their children enjoy the day of without limits, and then put some parameters around the next week – 1-2 pieces a day. Give the rest away after that.
