#WellnessWeds: 10 Halloween Candies That Might Spook You

Trick or Treat! Halloween is almost here and you will definitely be hearing kids reciting that infamous phrase. My reply is that the treat might be the trick, especially if you overdo it. I am by no means the food police, but it’s a good idea to remind your kids (and yourself) that candy should be enjoyed sparingly.

Check out the table I made of the 10 most popular candies passed out during Halloween:

You will notice that the chocolate candies have fat, carbs and sugars, while the sugary candy treats have no fat, but more carbs and sugar. These treats get overeaten very quickly and contain few essential nutrients, so take note of the serving size. Chocolate does have some antioxidant properties, but should still be eaten in moderation.

Mix It Up

Here are a few ideas for Halloween treats that would be a healthier choice for the children in your neighborhood:

• Baked chips
• Pretzels
• Fruit snacks, ideally made from 100 percent fruit juice
• Toys — try the dollar store
• Trail mix
• Stickers
• Animal crackers
• Nuts
• Dried fruit — raisins, dried plums
• Mini toothbrushes, mini toothpastes, mini mouthwash or floss — growing up my neighbor was a dentist and she would pass these out.

Enjoy your Halloween safely and get that walking in. Keep an eye on and maybe even hold onto your children’s goodies, so they don’t overdo it. Remind them that candy is a treat.

My mom always made us eat our veggies before we could pick one thing from our Halloween bag. Do you have any special rules to help limit the candy intake after Halloween? Do you have any healthy Halloween treats that you pass out? What’s your favorite Halloween candy indulgence?

Photo Credit: Rochelle, just rochelle