Healthy Holiday Eating-Part I: Trick or Treat or Eat?

Halloween is just the kickoff to the holiday eating season that spans from Halloween to potentially as far as Easter. The following Halloween tricks can help keep you and your family on track for healthy treats you can eat.

Buy treats you do not like

Buy Halloween candy or holiday treats that do not usually appeal to you. You are less inclined to overindulge if what you have in the house does not tempt you.

Purchase treats on the day you need them

If you do not buy it, you will not eat it!  Buy treats the day you plan to eat or distribute them. If you are buying candy or goodies for a holiday or gathering, keep them in the house for as short a period of time as possible and give away the leftovers.

Consider some alternatives 

Pretzels, crackers, granola bars, fruit leather, books, stickers, bouncy balls, toys, and crayons are great alternatives to candy. Kids are usually thrilled to get something unusual.

If you live in a rural area as I do and don’t have many trick-or-treaters, you can spend a little more for treat alternatives such as this one!

Set the ground rules 

Come up with a plan for dealing with sweets and treats that everyone in the household agrees with. For example, “You can eat as much candy/dessert as you like today, and then we will donate the rest.”  Make sure this plan goes equally for everyone in the house, including parents!

Keep healthy eating and living as a priority 

Make sure you drink a good amount of water, exercise, and consume fruits and vegetables every day. Do not substitute treats for healthy snacks.

Make homemade treats 

Homemade treats are the best bet. Choose holiday recipes that are low in fat and sugar and high in fruits and whole grains. Try reducing sugar and fat in recipes by replacing them with applesauce, apple juice concentrate, or flax meal.