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Tips for a Healthy Halloween
Reflecting concerns
about America's burgeoning childhood obesity crisis, more parents are looking
for tips on how to help children enjoy Halloween without overindulging.
Healthyroads,
Inc., the wellness subsidiary of leading personal health improvement company
American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH), offers the following tips
for parents.
1. Set a good
example by giving out healthy treats or treat alternatives to the neighborhood
kids. Healthy treats might include:
Nuts and seeds, such as unsalted
almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds
Sugar-free hard candies or sticks
of sugar-free chewing gum
Pretzels
Sugar-free hot chocolate or
apple cider packets
Cereal bars or fig cookies
Juice boxes
Treat alternatives could include:
Halloween costume enhancements
such as funny glasses, stick-on tattoos, or reflective safety stickers
Halloween party favors from
a party store such as games and toys, coloring tablets, stickers, crayons,
pencils, erasers, and costume jewelry
Coupons for the local yogurt
store or juice bar
2. Feed your
kids a good healthy meal before they go trick-or-treating to limit their
snacking while out and about.
3. Give kids
collection bags that fit their size. For kids under the age of five,
a small bag makes more sense and will keep kids from bringing home more
treats then they could healthfully eat in a 30-day period. For older kids,
a larger bag may be OK, but say no to oversized bags such as pillow cases,
shopping bags, or plastic trash bags.
4. Set limits
to keep kids from eating too many treats in a day.
Allow children
two pieces of candy each day, then put the treat stash out of their reach.
That way they'll have to ask for it.
Some treats
such as chocolate candy bars can be cut into smaller pieces and frozen,
providing bite-sized treats later in the year.
5. Pair
treats with healthy snacks. Require your child to pair every sweet treat
with a healthy snack such as a miniature candy bar and an apple. Make sure
they eat the apple first. That way they are less hungry for the treats,
they get health benefits from the fruit, and they learn healthier eating
habits.
6. Arrange a
buyout. Offer the child a nickel or dime for each candy they will "sell"
you. That way they can "earn" money to buy a toy or game they want.
7. Make sure
your family eats sensibly throughout the rest of the year. This sets a
good example that helps kids make wise decisions any time they are tempted
to overindulge with unhealthy food choices.
Remember, Halloween
can still be fun for kids without being a detriment to their health. It
just takes a little extra effort and planning on your part. Your child's
good health is worth it.
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Copyright
2007 by United Press International.
All rights reserved.
