Planning for Halloween: Trick Or Treat with these nutrition tips

• Make sure you and your child eat a nutritious meal before parties and trick or treating. If you fill up with a healthy meal, you and your children will be less likely to eat too much candy along the way or when you get home.
• Limit sugar intake. While the day may be filled with parties and trick or treating, try to avoid unnecessary sugar that day. Forgo the juice boxes or sugary cereals so that they can enjoy a few treats without overindulging.
• Try non-candy options. Instead of giving out candy, consider apples, pretzels or other snacks. Small toys, such as temporary tattoos, stickers, crayons or coins can be enjoyed by children just as much, if not more than candy. Kids will enjoy the surprise and parents will appreciate a break from the candy!
• Set limits, but enjoy! If you monitor your child’s intake and set limits rather than restrict it all together, your child can enjoy the fun of Halloween without arguments or tummy aches.
• Ration leftover candy or toss it out. Save some candy to enjoy over the coming weeks or toss out candy that won’t be eaten.
• Have your child brush and floss his teeth thoroughly before going to bed. While this should be part of your evening ritual, it’s especially important to brush well after eating candy.

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