Every year around the middle of October, I start wondering what I should give out for Halloween. I certainly don't want to find toilet paper strewn all over my trees for not handing out what the kids want, but I just can't stomach loading sugar and artificial colors into young tummies just for the sake of convention.
Why is candy such a bad idea at this time of year? Well, first off, with cold and flu season ramping up, why dampen children's immune systems with extra sugar? Just a little bit of sugar can shut down immune defenses for hours! Then there's the dreaded hyperactivity. Contrary to popular belief, studies show that it's not actually the sugar that makes kids jumpy – it's the artificial colors and other synthetic additives. You know, yellow dye #5, sodium benzoate, red 40, etc. That's the stuff that you really have to watch out for.
There is a happy medium for parents who want to spare children of nutrient-devoid treats but still have a fun Halloween. Beyond boxes of raisins, here are some healthier alternatives. You'll be surprised how many kids actually go for them!
100% real fruit leathers – check the label and pick the one with the highest % vitamin C
Bags of popcorn – an exciting source of fibre, but look out for MSG in flavoured kinds
70% cocoa dark chocolate – bulk food stores often sell these as individually wrapped squares
Partly skimmed cheese strings or sticks – bonus: cheese helps neutralize the acid in kids' mouths after a sugary treat
Sesame snaps – sesame seeds are a source of good fat and calcium
Ethnic/vegetarian treats – single serve packs of dried roasted seaweed, wasabi peas, rice crackers, or roasted soybeans are available in many mainstream grocery stores or Asian supermarkets
And, while you're scouring the dollar store for the perfect princess crown, it's also a good idea to pick up a few non-food treats like stickers, small decks of cards, little cars, small packs of crayons or Play-Doh. Through these into the mix and let the trick or treaters choose. Many of the younger children will go for the toys instead.
When all's said and done, Halloween is just one night of treating madness. Most parents know to check over their children's loot for dangerous objects or choking hazards. While doing this, get the kids to pick out their favorite treats, while talking about trying to avoid those artificial colours, and separate the pile into stuff they really love and stuff they can do without. Toss the latter, maybe suggesting a trade for a coveted toy, and put one or two items out along with the after school snacks. Challenge them to see how long they can make their stash last. Who knows? Maybe they'll make it all the way 'till Christmas!
Click here for more ideas for a healthier Halloween.
