Discover kid-friendly smart 'tricks' to keep the 'treat' in balance this Halloween.
Hey there, Trick-or-Treaters! 🎃👻
We know that Halloween is all about the lollies, but before your little ones embark on their quest for sugary treats, let's chat about some smart ‘tricks’ to keep the ‘treat’ part of the equation in balance for the kids this Halloween!
Feed the Critters First: What child doesn't dive into their treat bag right away? But here's a little trick - feeding them before they go trick-or-treating. This can help curb their snacking urges while they're out and about. Full tummies are the best defense against a sweet-tooth.
Ditch the Giant Bag: Opt for smaller, more manageable containers for your child and (try to) encourage them to take just one or two lollies from each house.
Get the Monsters Moving: Halloween is the perfect time to turn trick-or-treating into a family fitness adventure. Step away from the car and walk from house to house. Set goals for how many houses you'll visit or make it a friendly competition.
Look Before You Eat: Safety first! Make sure that the sweets don’t pose as a choking hazard for little ones. And keep food allergies in mind.
Have a Plan: It's not just about collecting sweet treats; it's also about teaching moderation. Plan in advance how many lollies your little ones are allowed to take, keep, and eat. Involve them in deciding what to do with excess candy.
If you are dealing with an excess of Halloween treats, here are some ideas for enjoying the evening’s haul responsibly:
Let each child keep enough to have one or two pieces a day for one or two weeks. Throw away, donate or re-purpose the rest.
When your child asks for a lolly, pair it with a healthy snack, like an apple, a banana or some nuts.
“Buy back” candy from your child with money or tokens that they can trade in for a fun activity, like an afternoon at the park or a day at the pool.
Save it for holiday baking or family diy cooking activities, like making a gingerbread house together or to fill a piñata at the next birthday celebration.
Teach the gift of giving, by donating excess lollies to a homeless shelter or children’s hospital.
For all the Halloween Party Hosts! 🏚️💀
Ready to turn your Halloween gathering into a spooktacular sensation without overloading the little ones (or yourself) on sugar? Here are a few ideas:
Up the Spook Factor: Get creative with your snacks! Serve up healthy treats that are dressed for the occasion. Join the trend of banana ghosts, apple monster mouths, carrot witch fingers, and colourful fruit popsicles.
Play with Your Food: Turn healthy options into party activities. Let your guests get hands-on by decorating oranges like Jack-O-Lanterns or set up a bobbing-for-apples station. It's a fun way to incorporate good nutrition into the festivities.
Keep the Monsters Moving: Halloween doesn't have to be all about the treats. Include plenty of physical activities to keep your guests on their toes. Perhaps a zombie dance party, a three-legged monster race, a spider crawl challenge, or even a pumpkin toss? These activities will add an active twist to your party.
Rethink the Drink: Don't let sugary drinks dominate your party. Swap out the fizzy and sugar-sweetened drinks for healthier options. Offer coloured or flavoured water, unsweetened tea, 100% juice, or dairy drinks. You can get creative with a Halloween-themed punch made from sparkling water and a splash of fruit juice. Use orange or cucumber slices, black grapes, or blackberries for a garnish.
Healthier Treat Options: 🍏🍊🥦
Clementines, blood oranges, or oranges adorned with non-toxic ink to look like Jack-O-Lanterns
100% juice boxes or pouches
Snack-sized packages of pretzels, popcorn, graham crackers, dried fruit, vegetables, trail mix, nuts, or pumpkin seeds
100% real fruit strips, ropes, or leathers
Squeezable yogurt tubes or pouches
Single-serving containers of mandarin oranges
Sugar-free gum
Non-edible Items: 🎃🧛♂️🎨
Glow sticks or small glow-in-the-dark toys
Bouncy balls
Mini plush toys and wind-up toys
Crayons and colouring books (or intricate colouring pages for older kids)
Stickers or stamps
Temporary tattoos
Bubble makers
Spider rings or vampire teeth
Slime, putty, or squishy toys
Friendship bracelets
Remember to be cautious and avoid giving very small items that could pose a choking hazard to the little ones.
This Halloween, your party will be a scream, and your guests will appreciate the devilishly delightful treats and activities you've prepared. Have a spooky good time! 🎃👻
