How to Have a Healthier Halloween

As a mom who’s trying to instill healthy habits in my children, the truly scary part of Halloween aren’t the ghouls, ghosts, and goblins haunting the neighborhood—it’s the bag of sugary sweets that makes its way into my home after a night of trick-or-treating!

While I won't stop my kids from trick or treating, I can do my part by handing out a healthier alternative at my home on Halloween. There are several options that go beyond milk chocolate and artificially colored junk, such as:

Trail mix
Granola bars
100% fruit juice boxes
Raisins
Popcorn
Dried apples / dried fruit

While it may be tempting to whip up something healthy and delicious, it's important to avoid giving trick-or-treaters anything homemade. Baked goods and fruit are frowned upon because a parent can’t know if the items are safe for their child to consume.

But that’s not to say that I can't offer little ones a choice of non-food goodies on Halloween. This is a fun way to get creative! I look for some small Halloween-themed gifts to offer in lieu of candy:

Stickers
Superballs
Yo-yos
Novelty pencils
Glitter pens
Small notebooks
Keychains

When my kids bring home a pillowcase full of treats from their night of trick or treating, I don't want to be a TOTAL fun hater. So I tell them they can pick 5 pieces to eat then put the rest by the front door so the GREAT PUMPKIN can come and take it away and bring them a gift instead. They get anything from books and puzzles to an outdoor toy. They like getting the surprise gift and I like saving money on the dentist bill!