By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist
Its likely you’ve noticed a few extra isles at the grocery store that are now jam packed with candy for Halloween trick or treaters. However, being a health conscience parent, you are unsettled about the idea of passing out gobs of candy to little ones. So, how you can treat without getting tricked? Here are some healthy Halloween treats, both edible and not, that are sure to bring a smile to even the spookiest ghost or goblin ringing your doorbell.
Non Food
One easy way to avoid doling out unhealthy snacks is to avoid food based treats altogether. Kids love keepsakes and treasures, so think stocking stuffer size. Party supply stores are a great place to find inexpensive trinkets for parties at home, school, or work as well as the trick or treat bags:
• bouncy balls
• themed erasers or pencils
• coloring books
• print a Halloween picture for kids to color when they get home
• pennies or nickels
• stickers
• polished rocks or seashells
Healthy Halloween Treats
Keeping in mind everyone’s safety, any snacks you hand out need to be sealed and tamper proof so all of the following suggestions are available in individual packaging:
• prepackaged single serving size of pretzels, cereal, crackers, or trail mix
• microwave popcorn
• granola bars
• mini juice boxes (100% juice of course)
• organic fruit cups or applesauce (prepackaged)
• a package of hot chocolate or hot apple cider mix
• string cheese
• organic fruit leather
• honey sticks (not for children under 2)
Green Halloween
Green is not necessarily the first color that comes to mind during this time of year, but with the increased green movement, many parents are looking for ways to participate in holiday traditions while keeping health and the environment in mind. Visit Green Halloween for more great ideas on creating an eco-friendly holiday.
Please note: as a parent, especially a parent of a child who suffers from celiac disease or other food allergies, it is important to look through all of the items your child brings home from Halloween festivities. Scan through each item to be sure it is food allergy friendly and has not been opened or tampered with.
Here’s to a Healthy Halloween!
By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist
Its likely you’ve noticed a few extra isles at the grocery store that are now jam packed with candy for Halloween trick or treaters. However, being a health conscience parent, you are unsettled about the idea of passing out gobs of candy to little ones. So, how you can treat without getting tricked? Here are some healthy Halloween treats, both edible and not, that are sure to bring a smile to even the spookiest ghost or goblin ringing your doorbell.
Non Food
One easy way to avoid doling out unhealthy snacks is to avoid food based treats altogether. Kids love keepsakes and treasures, so think stocking stuffer size. Party supply stores are a great place to find inexpensive trinkets for parties at home, school, or work as well as the trick or treat bags:
• bouncy balls
• themed erasers or pencils
• coloring books
• print a Halloween picture for kids to color when they get home
• pennies or nickels
• stickers
• polished rocks or seashells
Healthy Halloween Treats
Keeping in mind everyone’s safety, any snacks you hand out need to be sealed and tamper proof so all of the following suggestions are available in individual packaging:
• prepackaged single serving size of pretzels, cereal, crackers, or trail mix
• microwave popcorn
• granola bars
• mini juice boxes (100% juice of course)
• organic fruit cups or applesauce (prepackaged)
• a package of hot chocolate or hot apple cider mix
• string cheese
• organic fruit leather
• honey sticks (not for children under 2)
Green Halloween
Green is not necessarily the first color that comes to mind during this time of year, but with the increased green movement, many parents are looking for ways to participate in holiday traditions while keeping health and the environment in mind. Visit Green Halloween for more great ideas on creating an eco-friendly holiday.
Please note: as a parent, especially a parent of a child who suffers from celiac disease or other food allergies, it is important to look through all of the items your child brings home from Halloween festivities. Scan through each item to be sure it is food allergy friendly and has not been opened or tampered with.
Here’s to a Healthy Halloween!