Healthy Halloween Treats for Kids
Where to Find Low-Calorie Sweets to Help Stop Child Obesity
Oct 18, 2007
With the obesity epidemic at an all-time high, many people are now questioning the annual practice of distributing gobs of empty calorie, sugar-laden sweets to neighborhood children and are seeking alternatives. Those who also avoid animal byproducts find themselves in an even greater pinch, since what can be tossed into those bags need to be pre-packaged for safety reasons. Making more healthful and compassionate choices when deciding what to give those little vampires, cartoon characters and army men will ease both the givers’ conscience and their visitors’ waistlines.
Healthy Treats
Avoid the candy aisle at the supermarket altogether and look to healthy treats kids like to have packed in their lunches. Fruit leathers, raisins and pretzels are all items that are sure to be well-received, have a much less chance of clashing with allergies and are even vegan. Other items like trail mixes, nuts, cereal bars and even unfrosted toaster pastries make better choices.
Halloween Gifts
A trip to the local party store offers a wide variety of sweet alternatives children will adore. Stick with the theme and purchase items like finger puppets, rings and miniature coloring books. Another suggestion is to stock up on small and / or themed stuffed animals, perhaps doubling as a donation to a favorite charity. Of course, gift certificates or a small amount of pocket change getting tossed into those pumpkin pails are sure-fire ways to make a child smile.
Lower Calorie Sweets
For those who don’t want to break tradition, consider lollipops and small pieces of hard candy. Though they are high in sugar, they have less fat than some Halloween treats like chocolate and tend to have fewer calories -- though consider that they still contribute to tooth decay before you decide to shell them out.
Halloween Parties
If the neighborhood kids tend to congregate at parties, volunteer a homemade dessert with a healthy slant. Carmel apples and Halloween go hand and hand, they’re fairly wholesome, dipping them can be added as a party activity, and there are even vegan recipes for them. Other ideas include themed cupcakes, cookies and even the dry ice-infused, green citrus punch. Just remember to leave a card with a list of ingredients next to any dish.
Pass On the Message
Another way to counteract childhood obesity is to suggest similar ideas to family, friends and neighbors about adopting healthier alternatives to traditional Halloween fare, even if it’s merely to suggest offering smaller portions. Besides having less candy to sort through, parents will appreciate the night’s haul being a little on the healthier side of the spectrum.
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