STILLWATER, Okla. – Many Oklahoma children already have determined what they will dress up for this Halloween. They have planned what neighborhoods in which to trick-or-treat so they can fill their candy containers to the brim with sugary, sticky and sweet treats.
While the children are excited about trick-or-treating, many parents may be wondering how all of this candy will fit into a nutritious diet, said Deana Hildebrand, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension nutrition specialist.
“Between school parties, town-sponsored activities and trick-or-treating itself, kids will most likely bring home more treats than they could possibly eat,” Hildebrand said. “What parents need to remember is that moderation is the key. Loading up on candy between meals can make children feel full and they may not want to eat a healthy dinner. Eating these sugary treats also increases risk for dental decay.”
Parents also should remind their little ghosts and goblins it is not a good idea to any candy while trick-or-treating. Parents really need to inspect all of the candy before any of it is consumed.
To help curb your children’s consumption of treats, make sure they have a healthy snack before they leave the house to trick-or-treat. Kids who are not hungry are less likely to splurge on the candy when they return home.
“Parents may want to consider allowing their children a few days to enjoy the Halloween candy, by letting their children pick out one or two items they want once each day,” she said. “If parents don’t want their children eating a lot of candy, offer to let them pick out a few of their favorites, then buy the rest from them. This way the children end up with a few sweet treats along with a little money in their pockets. The rest can be tossed or used for other purposes.”
For example, if your children receive a lot of miniature chocolate bars, consider freezing them and using them in recipes containing chocolate chips for upcoming holiday baking. To extend the Halloween fun, include the children in the baking activities.
“If you prefer not to hand out any candy, consider other alternatives such as sunflower seeds or small bags of pretzels or microwave popcorn,” Hildebrand said. “Pencils, colorful erasers, trading cards or stickers also make fun alternatives to sweet treats. Just remember that a little bit of Halloween candy isn’t such a bad thing as long as limits are set.”
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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
Trisha Gedon
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
136 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-3625 (phone)
405-744-5739 (fax
[email protected]
