Halloween is right around the corner. Wondering how to keep your ghouls and goblins from gorging on candy that they bring home? Parents, try these healthier options from Public Health – Seattle and King County. There are even suggestions for healthier treats to give to the kids in your neighborhood.
- Eat a healthy meal before trick-or-treating. Kids are less likely to gorge on candy if they are full. Consider a peanut butter sandwich or some fruit before trick-or-treating.
- Offer healthier alternatives. Try sugar-free gum or hard candy — it typically has sugar but no fat. Other great options include individually wrapped packages of raisins, pretzels or trail mix. Kids also love non-food treats like stickers, superballs, temporary tattoos, spider rings and small bottles of bubbles.
- Cut back on sugar-loaded drinks. With all the extra Halloween candy around your home, pay attention to the total amount of sugar your kids are consuming —it all adds up. Cut back on sugary drinks like sodas, sweetened juices, and energy drinks which can lead to obesity. These sugar-loaded beverages pose hidden health risks for kids including: obesity, Type 2 diabetes, tooth decay and high blood pressure.
Protect your family while you enjoy a Happy Halloween; pay attention to the amount of sugar they consume. For more healthy treats, go to the Health Matters Newsletter. For information about the dangers of sugar-loaded beverages visit this King County website.
--King County Public Health
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