Happy (Healthy) Halloween!
When the leaves start changing color and there's a nip in the air, it can only mean one thing: Halloween is on the way. It's one of the few days of the year when treats aren't only tolerated, they're encouraged. Even though it's all about the trick-or-treating in most neighborhoods, that doesn't mean you have to let your kids fall into a candy coma on the big night. You can still have a spooky celebration and have a healthy Halloween.
Tips from Our Los Altos Chiropractor
Make sure your kids have a healthy meal before they leave for trick-or-treating. If they're full from eating a good dinner they're less likely to snack from their bags while on their expedition. They'll be eager to leave, so give them kid-centric food like veggies and ranch dip, baked chicken strips, or homemade vegetable pizza.- Hand out healthy snacks. Halloween doesn't have to mean keeping a bowl of candy bars by the front door. Do your part for the neighborhood kids and give out pretzels, sugar-free fruit snacks, or small bags of popcorn instead of candy.
- Give your kids small bags for their trick-or-treating. No one needs a pillowcase full of candy, even if it's every child's Halloween dream. Find small decorative bags or hollow plastic pumpkins and allow your kids to go out until their container is full. If you've got older children, they'll at least have to come home and empty their bags before going back out again.
- Want to contribute even more? Give out treats that have nothing to do with food. Kids love temporary tattoos, spider rings, fancy pencils, fake mustaches, and tons of other small items you can find at the dollar store. Why not set a good example for your kids and show them they don't have to get candy for it to be a good treat.
- Limit the treats you let your kids eat. Sure, they want to dig through their bag as soon as they get home. Give them a time limit for that, and put the bags away for the night afterward. Keep the bags in the refrigerator after that, and only allow your kids one or two pieces of candy at a time afterward.
Make sure your kids have a healthy meal before they leave for trick-or-treating. If they're full from eating a good dinner they're less likely to snack from their bags while on their expedition. They'll be eager to leave, so give them kid-centric food like veggies and ranch dip, baked chicken strips, or homemade vegetable pizza.Bonus Tip! - Ensure your future health past Halloween by scheduling a wellness exam with Dr. Mary Reimer today! Call us at 650-492-6067.