Six Tips for a Healthier and Safer Halloween

When October rolls around, the excitement starts to build for Halloween. Both kids and adults love this holiday with its creative costumes, fun celebrations, sweet treats, and of course, trick-or-treating!

If your yearly Halloween habit includes overloading on candy and sweet treats, it may be time to add some healthier options to your fall holiday menu. And if you’re going door-to-door with children, safety should always be top priority.

Whatever your Halloween traditions are, chances are they rely heavily on candy and costumes. Here are six tips to keep your celebrations healthier and safer with more treats and fewer tricks.

Tip 1: Eat First

Candy and caramel apples may be delicious, but they don’t provide a balanced meal. Plan ahead of time and eat a healthy meal or snack before trick-or-treating or heading out to a party.

It’s easier to be mindful of your choices if you’re not hungry when you make them. And children won’t be as tempted to snack if their bellies are full when the candy haul continues to grow.

Tip 2: Contain the Collection

Don’t use a pillowcase or a large container to hold the candy your child collects. A smaller container doesn’t hold as much candy, so it limits the haul you take home.

Encourage your child to take only one piece of candy from each house you visit to increase the number of homes you can go to before the container becomes full. You'll get less sugar and more exercise at the same time.

Don’t forget to inspect every treat you’ve collected. Don’t eat anything that wasn’t commercially packaged, and check for signs of tampering. If your child has a food allergy, read the labels and avoid choking hazards such as gum, hard candy, or tiny toys.

Tip 3: Choose Candy Alternatives

No child wants to get a toothbrush instead of candy. But there are lots of non-edible items that many children would welcome in their treat bags. Glow sticks, Halloween pencils, and stickers are excellent alternatives to another candy bar. Temporary tattoos, bubbles, or small crayon sets also provide a fun treat without a sugar rush. Just be sure not to give out any small items that could be a choking hazard.

If you must give out edible treats, try healthier options like mini bags of pretzels, cheese crackers, or popcorn. Even mini water bottles or individual juice pouches can be a welcome treat and thirst quencher for kids walking around in hot costumes on a warm October afternoon. 

Tip 4: Make Your Own Healthy, Festive Snacks

If you are hosting a party, offer healthy and creative options for your guests to snack on. We often eat with our eyes first, so if you take the time to be creative with some fun and nutritious snacks - your guests are sure to dig in! 

Try making pretzel stick broomsticks with low-fat string cheese, mini clementine pumpkins, or banana ghosts with chocolate chips for eyes. Check out this healthy recipe for making mini jack-o’-lanterns with oranges and sliced fruit. 

Tip 5: Avoid Accidents

Keep safety at the top of your priority list while you celebrate. Look for “flame-resistant” costumes and use flame-resistant fabrics if you make your costume. Wear brightly colored costumes or incorporate strips of reflective tape into your look to increase your visibility to others. If you are trick-or-treating at night when it is dark, bring a flashlight.

A mask can block your vision, so try makeup or hats instead as part of your costume. Remember to test your makeup beforehand to rule out signs of allergic reactions such as swelling, irritation, or rash. Avoid wearing decorative contacts that may irritate your eyes. 

Tip 6: Up Your Activity

Encourage physical activity in your festivities by incorporating them into your plans. Walk instead of driving when trick-or-treating. Have a dance contest to get everyone up and moving. Hold a pumpkin toss or play a form of tag. Get creative with food, fun, and activities — and no one will even notice their Halloween is healthier.

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