Too much sugar!
Picking out Halloween costumes for the kids (and of course our beloved dogs and cats) is truly enjoyable. Decorating the house with spider webs and constructing the perfect lawn cemetery makes the holiday both festive and freaky! (We need that family fun time). But when choosing the “treats” to give out to the ghoulish ghastly ghosts that dare to knock on the door, consider what might be left over.
Each and every year we try to tell ourselves that we will have more willpower than last year when it comes to snacking on Halloween candy. Let’s not focus entirely on willpower, this year let’s concentrate on making more informed and smarter decisions. Have a plan when you pick out your Halloween goodies.
While it’s one thing to “gasp” happily when we see the creativity of children parading down the street in Halloween costumes, it’s even a better idea to avoid scale shock associated with overeating Halloween treats. So I thought I’d share a few tips on avoiding the “scary scale shock” we often see when overindulging in Halloween candy.
- If you do buy candy, buy it the day of Halloween. This year Halloween falls on a Saturday so there will be a lot of “trick or treaters”. Purchasing candy the day of the holiday will make it less likely for you to eat the treats before Halloween actually arrives!
- There isn’t a lot of “fun” when it comes to “fun size” candy. These candies are small and very easy to eat and eat and eat. So, save and count the wrappers! Be aware of what you are actually consuming.
- Many local health professionals, especially pediatric dentists, will buy back candy from children. After your kids pick out their favorites (and of course you check through everything to make sure it is safe and wrapped), sell the “extra” candy to the dentist! They may offer stickers, gift cards or even cash. Of course, you can “buy back” the treats as well and give away the excess.
- At the end of the day if you have a good deal of candy left over, don’t be stingy! Give out handfuls to the remaining trick or treaters (fewer leftovers).
- There are so many great Halloween goodies available other than traditional candy. Think about giving out: little puzzles, yo yo’s, mini play dough, Halloween pencils or stickers, or Halloween spider rings or tattoos.
This year make Halloween fun and memorable every place but the scale. Have a safe and wonderful Halloween.