According to a San Francisco Chronicle article entitled “Halloween Adds Up to $5 Billion,” Americans spent about $1.4 billion dollars in Halloween candy just last year alone, leaving trick-or-treaters with plenty of sweets to eat. In fact, children are not just getting one small bag of candy nowadays; they’re receiving pillowcases worth of sweets laden with fat, sugar and calories. An average-size jack-o-lantern bucket, for example, fits about 250 pieces of small chocolate bars and candy that could easily add up to nine thousand calories (4.5 times the recommended daily amount for a grown person), 200 grams of fat and 1500 grams of sugar.
To keep sweets in moderation, the California Milk Processor Board (CMPB)- the creator of the “Got Milk?” campaign- has partnered with the California Dietetic Association (CDA) to share strategies with parents on how to save kids from candy overload.
To help parents cope, these organizations have developed a top-10 list of strategies on www.gotmilk.com. Registered dietitians say it’s important to set the boundaries beforehand on how many pieces of candy kids can eat on Halloween day. Experts say negotiating with kids and following some of the tips below could help reduce the consumption of sweets, while ensuring that children still have a fun Halloween.
Plan Ahead. Make a plan prior to Halloween so that you can keep tabs on what children will be consuming on Halloween. Talk to teachers (many schools have Halloween events), party hosts and neighbors to agree on the types treats to be handed out to children.
Negotiate with Kids. Talk to kids and set up expectations for Halloween day. Make sure that they do their homework and chores before trick-or-treating.
Dinner First. On Halloween night, give children an extra nutritious dinner before trick-or-treating. It will reduce their appetites for sweets. A meal filled with lean protein, whole grains and vegetables is the way to go.
Non-Food Treats. Consider handing out treats like themed school supplies such as pencils and erasers to school-age children as they will come in handy for class. Small (safe) toys are also appropriate in reducing the amount of candy children eat during Halloween. Plus, they’re fun!
Power Trick-or-Treat. Make sure children get enough physical activity to burn off excess sugar and fat. Trick-or-treating can be a fun way to incorporate walking and exercise. Plan a few extra loops around the neighborhood. This process can tire out kids and prepare them to hit the sack when they get home.
Got Milk? Serving chocolate milk after trick-or-treating is a great, healthy treat. It doesn’t deprive kids of the chocolate closely associated with Halloween, while still providing them nutrition. If you want to help your kids sleep on Halloween night, a glass of warm low-fat or nonfat milk prior to bed will do the trick. Milk contains tryptophan, which helps people snooze.
Set Limits. Set boundaries with children on how many pieces of candy they’re allowed to eat on Halloween and while trick-or-treating. Allow children to make their own selections, but tell them they can only pick a few pieces.
Exchange Program. Trade your children’s Halloween candy for a desired toy to reduce candy consumption. Many schools, doctors and dentists have similar programs. Just ask.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind. Bring candy to work or throw it away. Kids don’t eat what they can’t see.
Set an Example. Parents should also stay away from eating too much candy during Halloween. They need to be role models for their children.
