Heart healthy alternatives to Halloween candy
SACRAMENTO – Halloween to most children means candy, a lot of candy. With childhood obesity on the rise in the United States, what can families do to stay healthy amongst the candy corn, chocolate nougat bars and gummy bears? Healthy and Halloween aren’t usually two words that are normally seen together, but there are good and easy alternatives that will make Halloween not so scary for your family’s health.
Give out healthy alternatives to candy to the ghouls and goblins that visit your doorstep:
- Halloween-themed pencils, note pads, bubbles, noisemakers, vampire teeth, temporary tattoos, (refrain from distributing choking hazards such as coins, rings to young children)
- Granola bars, pretzels, cheese and cracker packs, sugar-free gum, and hot chocolate packets
“It’s also a good idea to eat a nutritious and wholesome meal before your family heads out for trick-or-treating. They will less likely fill up on empty calorie foods and binge on their candy loot”, said G. Prakasam, MD, medical director, Pediatric Endocrine and Diabetes at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento. Keep in mind, total restriction of candy isn’t healthy either. Allow your child to have some of their Halloween treats in moderation then ration out the remaining candy over a few weeks for dessert after a healthy meal.
Obesity can be prevented and it doesn’t take high-tech treatments or cutting-edge medications. The solution begins and ends with daily decisions we make, like limiting candy consumption. “Among children today, obesity is causing a broad range of health problems that previously weren’t seen until adulthood. These include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels. There are also psychological effects. Obese children are more prone to low self-esteem, negative body image and depression,” Prakasam said. The American Heart Association is working to help kids and families live heart-healthy lives.
For more information about how you and your family can learn to eat better and get more active, visit heart.org/healthierkids.
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