Halloween brings an endless swirl of trunk-or-treats, school parties, costume bashes and the main event itself, trick or treating. The sweet treats can last long after the holiday. A few pieces of candy will not make or break your health goals…but a lot will! Here are some creative ways to lighten the load:
Make Your Own Trail mix
Use small bags of Reese’s Pieces or M&M’s along with unsalted nuts, dried fruit, and whole-grain cereal to create a tasty trail mix that you and your kids will love.
Set Some Aside for decorating gingerbread houses
Get kids engaged in the process – look at pictures online together, brain-storming out-of-the-box ways to decorate a house using the candy they’ve collected. (PS: Decorating gingerbread houses is a great day after Thanksgiving project for both kids and adults!)
Fill Your Advent Calendars
Got a special Advent calendar you use year after year? Set some candy aside and use it to fill this year’s calendar.
Save for a piñata
Have a birthday coming up? Save the leftover Halloween candy to stuff a piñata, or put a couple of pieces in each gift bag that you hand out.
Use on top of cookies & cupcakes during the holiday season
Attending a cookie exchange? Look for recipes that include candy or crumble candy like Butterfinger, and sprinkle onto frosting on top of cupcakes.
Freeze for the Easter Bunny
Today’s excess Halloween candy is next spring’s Easter egg filler!
Send care packages to the troops
Make a small care package to bring to your child’s teachers, daycare provider, grandparents, or a small gift to give your cashier and bagger. Great way to teach your kids to give!
Check for candy exchanges
Check with your dentist or orthodontist to see if they offer candy exchanges. You turn in some candy and get healthy treats, services, or even money in exchange.
Give it away!
Give it away…bring it to the office where it is sure to disappear quickly!
Keep in mind…
Have a Happy Halloween from all of us here at Main Line Nutrition!
