Halloween is always a popular holiday, especially for children. The costumes and pumpkin decorations highlight the season, but the influx of candy can be overwhelming. According to Forbes Magazine, Americans spent over $2 billion on Halloween candy last year! Most families love to celebrate but fear the inevitable bags of corn-syrup laden confections and subsequent post-candy meltdowns. However, it is possible to enjoy the holiday while minimizing the damage to teeth, tummies and Mom and Dad’s last nerve.

Why not trade in the bag of candy for a special treat? After allowing children to pick out 10 to 20 pieces of their favorite candy, trade out the candy for a more tangible treat. Sort of like the tooth fairy, the Halloween Candy Fairy (or Great Pumpkin, or whatever you want to name your new candy-craving creature) comes in the night and trades in the bags of candy for a cool basket of goodies. New books, art supplies, holiday-themed pajamas, movie tickets and gift certificates to a favorite restaurant are all good options.

Take time to host a Halloween feast. A bunch of sugar on an empty stomach will put children and adults on a behavioral roller coaster. A pre-treat meal will cut down on sugar-induced highs and lows. Prior to trick or treating, have family and friends come over for a warming, autumn meal. Serve hearty, protein-rich dishes with fun and spooky themes. For a healthy start, check out our website (www.PathwaysToHealing.biz) for tasty recipes.

When it comes to treats, choose the lesser evil. Look to minimize artificial colors and flavors. Choose real sugar over corn syrup, and definitely avoid artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, Splenda and sucralose (a.k.a. saccharin). Dark chocolate is always a good bet. Homemade snacks made with real ingredients are an even better way to celebrate the holiday season.

As the holiday approaches and children start getting their hands on candy, don’t forget to relax and have fun; just do your best with damage control. Offer healthy options and allow your children to help prepare the ghoulish treats. Children will be more likely to enjoy these healthier options when they are proud of their creations!