Guest Author - Jennifer Murray

It's only two weeks until Halloween, a fun time of year, especially for kids. However, when faced with tons of candy and other treats that are loaded with calories (and sugar), everything you have taught your kids about healthy eating may go right out the window. Here are a few things you can do to help you and your kids create a balance between healthy eating and Halloween fun.

If your kids are having a Halloween party at school, get involved. You can suggest healthy and fun food alternatives for the party. Or better yet, volunteer to make some healthy snacks yourself and take them to the party or drop them off to the teacher.

Before heading out to any Halloween parties, feed your kids a healthy snack or meal. This way, they will be less tempted to eat a lot of unhealthy party foods.

Make a deal with your kids about how much of their trick-or-treating candy they can eat. For example, you could let them have several pieces on Halloween night and then allow only 1 to 2 pieces per day until the candy is gone.

Some kids can be trusted to have control over their candy. However, if you know your child goes wild with candy, keep the goodies and ration them yourself.

Be sure your kids brush their teeth after they eat candy and other sugary treats.

Have a happy and healthy Halloween!

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