I want to hand out healthy treats on Halloween, but don’t want to be the mom that gives out apples and disappoints the neighbourhood kids. What are some healthy alternatives to chocolate bars and Rockets?
Dorota K. e-mailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca. (We’ve also had our minds on candy as we pass those tempting treat bags in the stores.) Our nutrition expert, Lianne Phillipson-Webb, answered:
It’s challenging for parents to walk the fine line of giving out healthy treats without disappointing the kids who receive them. Halloween after all is all about the treats and special goodies they don’t get on a regular basis (hopefully).
Thankfully, there are healthier options on the market:
- Visit your local health food store for some great alternatives. Yummy Earth organic lollipops have no chemical colours, artificial flavours or corn syrup, using fruit juice and veggies for flavour and colour.
- Try fruit gums that use natural colouring as opposed to unnatural food dyes.
- Give out something heartier like granola bars. Kids always love those and at least you’ll be original.
- Raisins -- we all remember getting these as kids. Boost their iron as well as their blood sugar with these sweet treats!
- Other viable alternatives include fruit leather strips or small packages of trail mix.
If you speak with your fairy princess or Iron Man before you head out, you may be able to convince them that moderation is the best way with their treats. Let them pick out their favourites; enjoy one or two and then one-a-day for the following week. You could even suggest a swap of the colour filled, pure cavity producing candies for a toy that they would enjoy (great lessons to start encouraging at any age).
And in case their tummies start to act up after the added sugar, give some probiotics or Acidophilus to not only boost their immune system, but help boost the friendly bacteria in their digestive systems.
Happy Healthy Halloween!
Registered Nutritionist (Dip. ION and RNCP) and mother of two, Lianne Phillipson-Webb is the founder of Sprout Right, a health and nutrition service specializing in pre-conception, pre-natal and post-natal care for women and their families. Her mommy chef DVDs provide a great resource for new moms who wish to learn more about Baby’s first foods.