header photo courtesy of Pixabay
by Elizabeth Magee, LRD
Digging deep over here. Halloween candy has been out for months; we’ve already eaten two bags at our house. Oops. I’m figuring we’ve got 3-4 weeks of candy overload, so we might as well try to put a positive spin on these treats.
Starting with props for protein: a consistent winner, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Yum. Can you stop at just one? Self-control points if you can. I’m a sucker for the holiday-shaped Reese’s. The chocolate-to-PB ratio is just perfect. Peanut M&M’s and Snickers are loyal followers in this category.
If you are trying to watch your fat intake, you could enjoy treats like Twizzlers, gummy bears, Swedish Fish, Jolly Ranchers, or maybe a Tootsie Pop.
Since everyone is doing it and I appreciate a good laugh (and not always being the bad guy), I asked the Internet for a little help. And I love what I got back!
How to Put a Healthy Spin on Halloween Candy (Without Crying Into a Kale Smoothie)
1. Dark Chocolate: The Fancy Pants of Candy: Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate. It’s basically chocolate that went to college and studied antioxidants. Bonus: it pairs well with pretending you’re sophisticated.
2. Fruit Snacks That Pretend to Be Candy: Hand out fruit leather and dried mango slices. They’re nature’s gummy bears (if gummy bears were raised by hippies and wore Birkenstocks).
3. DIY Treats That Say “I Tried”: Make energy bites with oats, nut butter, and honey. They look like truffles, taste like granola, and scream Pinterest Mom Energy.
4. Portion Control: Because Math is Scary Too Use tiny bags or containers. If the candy fits in a thimble, it’s basically zero calories, right? (Don’t quote us on that.)
5. The “Switch Witch” Program: Let kids trade candy for toys, books, or cold hard cash. It’s like bribery, but with a broomstick and glitter.
6. Veggie Monsters & Fruit Ghosts: Serve banana ghosts and clementine pumpkins. They’re spooky, adorable, and won’t make your pancreas cry.
7. Non-Candy Treats That Still Win Halloween: Glow sticks, stickers, and temporary tattoos. Because nothing says “festive” like a neon bracelet and a glittery unicorn on your forehead.
8. Mindful Eating: AKA Don’t Eat the Whole Bag in One Sitting: Encourage savoring. Like wine tasting, but with Skittles. Swirl, sniff, chew thoughtfully. Spit optional.
At the end of the day, I would encourage you to enjoy these treats, choose something you like, savor it, and don’t beat yourself up for involving moderation in your daily choices. A piece of candy can bring joy!
Elizabeth Magee is a licensed registered dietitian. Her posts appear monthly on OYT.
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