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Health & Fitness

Alternative Halloween 'Treats'

"Trick's on you... here's Type 2 Diabetes in a convenient wrapper!"

Some may argue that there is no place for a “healthy treat” during Halloween, but I disagree. 

We are entering that time of the year when there is so much focus on food, most of it being high in calories and fat, so finding a healthier alternative during Halloween just might be the little help that we need to make healthier food choices through the rest of the upcoming holiday seasons. 

I am a strong believer that we can enjoy all types of food, everything in moderation. You will not see me turn down a piece of cake at a birthday celebration or pumpkin pie after Thanksgiving dinner, but I think that Halloween is definitely a time that we can reconsider what the norm is.

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I think most parents agree that their children are not deprived of unhealthy treats throughout the year, so why not pick an alternative to handing out the normal Halloween candy to your trick-or-treaters?  If you are worried that there may be retaliation for your “lame” attempt at making Halloween healthy, I have a few suggestions for you that should spare your house from being egged.

I had a recent friend posted on her Facebook page,” Okay, does anyone have any creative Halloween "treats" they give out that are not essentially saying, "Trick's on you...here's Type 2 Diabetes in a convenient wrapper!"?”  She got several wonderful suggestions, some that I would like to share with you.  Below is a partial list of alternatives to the candy bar. 

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  1. Individually wrapped string cheese – draw a face on to make a ghost (should be refrigerated!)
  2. Small boxes of raisins
  3. Microwave popcorn bags
  4. Packets of hot chocolate
  5. Individually wrapped packages of goldfish, teddy grahams, pretzels or animal crackers
  6. Small containers of Play-Doh
  7. Stickers
  8. Mini-granola bars
  9. Individually wrapped popcorn balls (store bought)
  10. Temporary tattoos

For even more ideas, check out this article from the Dr. Sear’s Wellness Institute.

I would love to hear what you like to hand out to your trick-or-treaters or favorite non-traditional treat that your child has recently received!

• • • •

Heather Hampton is the owner and instructor for Baby Boot Camp in Woodbury.  This stroller based fitness class makes it easy for moms to get their pre-baby body back while spending time with their stroller aged children.  Come and try your first class for free!  Register by emailing Heather.Hampton@BabyBootCamp.com

Are you getting the recommended 7-13 servings of fruits and vegetables into your diet every day? Juice Plus is the simple, convenient, and cost effective way to bridge the gap between what you should be eating and what you are actually eating. Contact me by phone (651.321.1871) or email (Heather.Hampton@BabyBootCamp.com) to see how your child can receive Juice Plus for FREE.

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