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Beat the Trick-or-Treat Temptation with These Easy Tips

Hit the right balance between letting your kids have fun and keeping them healthy with these easy tips.

October 30, 2010

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Candy corn is a popular Halloween candy.

Concerned about hitting the right balance between letting your kids have fun and keeping them healthy? Here is some practical advice written by a local nutritionist.

Halloween is a fun, festive time of year for children and families. But it can also be a challenging time if you are trying to limit sugar and calories.

"With childhood obesity on the rise, we are all a lot more aware of the need to maintain a healthy weight for ourselves and our children,'' said Rachel Harris, RD, CNSD, CDN, Clinical Nutrition Manager at Hudson Valley Hospital Center. "Cutting back on candy and offering children alternatives can help make Halloween a healthier holiday without spoiling the fun.''

According to the Centers for Disease Control, obesity is a serious health concern for children and adolescents. An estimated 17 percent of children and adolescents 2 to 19, are obese.

Obese children and adolescents are at risk for health problems later in life such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. They are also more likely to become obese adults. One study found that approximately 80 percent of children who were overweight at 10–15 were obese by 25.

Harris said in addition to offering healthier treat alternatives like popcorn balls, cereal bars, animal or Goldfish Crackers, adults can skip the treats altogether and give out prizes such as crayons, bubbles, markers, temporary tattoos or glow sticks.

"Parents can also try to take the focus off the candy by planning a party, making a costume or working on a special holiday craft,'' said Harris.

She offered these other tips:

• Have a healthy dinner before going out to trick or treat.
• Limit the size of your child's Halloween bag.
• Don't ban sweets. Limit sweets to 1-2 per day or offer to trade candy for money or a prize.
• After a week or two, toss leftovers out.