So, it’s the spookiest week of the year! If you observe Halloween, we hope you have fun taking part in this community oriented event. At the risk of being a downer, we’d like to suggest some ways to minimize the ultra-refined food hit that Halloween has become.
Here are a few suggestions. Though we don't recommend you have "food rules" on holidays, it's nice to set some intentions to feel good about following through on.
Do something festive that doesn’t involve candy: haunted trail, sensory experience, games and add spooky music that expands the fun without the sweets. My parents used to play the intro to Elton John’s “Funeral For A Friend” on our record player with each knock on the door. There are probably lots of spooky playlists you can stream now. Last year our 9 year old niece had so much fun giving out candy and asking if people wanted to play a game (trick box with a surprise spider) that she didn't go door to door!
If you intend to avoid the candy, make it easier by buying the stuff you really don’t like. If you’re a chocaholic, get the fruity stuff or vise versa.
If you plan to get into the sweets a bit:
Spring for the good or “better” stuff, that's easier on your body. Examples are Unreal Peanut Butter for the chocolate lovers, and Yum Earth for the fruity stuff.
Draw a line in the sand. Make the sweets a one night deal.
Either way, plan your reset meal for the next morning. Go big on the protein , eat your super foods and get satisfied. Last night’s sugar is going to trigger cravings for many!
Give it away. For some, candy is a better choice, examples:
your local AA chapter will appreciate your candy.
send it to our troops
donate to a local charity house like Ronald McDonald, Homeless Shelters or Google charities that accept candy donations near you.
The Freezer. Okay, let’s say you can’t give it away. Save it for the next holiday, party, birthday, etc. We recommend putting it in a freezer safe bag with extra air gently removed. Most candy can store for 6-12 months.
As for your kiddos who do enjoy trick-or-treating, have you heard of the "Switch Witch"? The Switch Witch is a newer, fun tradition. She's a good witch, who comes to your home while your children are asleep and magically replaces candy with an exciting surprise. There are a couple different ways to implement the Switch Witch in your home:
Have your kids pick a few favorite pieces of candy and leave the rest for the Switch Witch; or
The Switch Witch comes in the middle of the night and swaps their candy bags with a fun surprise.
Some ideas:
the "better" sweet choices listed above
a book
stuffed animal
puzzle
craft supplies
"coupon" for something fun
small toys
money (just like the Tooth Fairy)
How ever you choose to observe Halloween, we hope you have fun!
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