6 Tips to Keep Adults and Kids Off the Sugar Roller Coaster this Halloween

Avoid sugar overload this Halloween with these tips.

Halloween is tomorrow, and it’s not just kids who have a hard time resisting the sugary snacks. Adults are just as susceptible to sugar highs and lows and packing on the pounds just like kids this time of year!

So not only is it important for parents to limit the amount of candy kids collect and snack on during the trick or treating celebrations, it’s important they monitor their own intake as well!

Did you know that consuming too much sugar suppresses immune system cells responsible for attacking bacteria? Even consuming just 75 to 100 grams of a sugar solution (about the same as in two 12-ounce sodas) reduces the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria. This effect is seen for at least a few hours after the sugar consumption. So if you want to lower your chances of getting sick this fall, lay off the sugar!

There are several things you can do to reduce candy consumption both before and after the trick or treating. A direct assault on Halloween overload would be to host a Halloween party for your kids complete with costumes and non-food prizes. If you are worried about office parties, these tips also apply!

Serve up healthy party foods such as fresh vegetables and dips, baked chips and crackers, and cheese and lean meats with whole grain breads for make-it-yourself sandwiches. You can also serve warm apple cider and plenty of water instead of soda and sports drinks. 

If you don’t opt for a party, here are some more helpful hints to keep from the candy jar:

Don’t buy Halloween candy early: buying it the day before Halloween might save you money as stores begin markdowns. On top of saving money you won’t be tempting your family to eat too much before the trick-or-treating begins.

Divide and conquer. After Halloween, place two or three individually wrapped treats into a plain paper bag. Seal the bags and mark with a date over the next two weeks. Allow your child a treat bag that is marked for each day.

How to keep the candy out of your house altogether? Give out individually packaged non-sugary treats such as nuts, raisins, 100% fruit leathers, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even microwave popcorn.

Some other great suggestions include: glow sticks or glow necklaces, which are usually packaged 15 to a pack, pencils and mini pads of paper themed for Halloween, and temporary tattoos or stickers are also always welcomed by kids. All kids get thirsty running around trick or treating so you can even give out mini water bottles.

Remember Halloween doesn’t only have to be about sweet treats, there are plenty of alternatives.