Creating a Healthy Halloween
By Brandi Swieter
With Halloween here, it's important for people to start looking at just how they can do better this holiday. Just because it traditionally involves candy and high calorie snacks doesn't mean new traditions can't be made. A healthy Halloween is possible as long as people make the effort to make it so.
Pass Out Toys Instead of Candy
Cheap toys from the dollar store or bought in bulk online can be a nice alternative to all the candy kids tend to get. If you're the one passing things out this year, be sure to get some toys or other healthier snacks to provide to the kids instead of offering candy. This is also beneficial for those participating in the teal pumpkin project that focuses on offering alternatives to kids who have allergies or other restrictions.
Donate Candy
Children and parents who go out trick-or-treating should think about donating their candy to others. Give it to churches or local shelters who may want to offer some treats to those who don't usually get to participate in the festivities. It will save you from eating it all and keep your potential overabundance of sugar to a minimum instead.
Create Healthy Party Snacks
Anyone hosting a party can find some spooky foods to make that don't involve baked goods and fattening foods. Plenty of healthy party snacks are possible if you have some creativity. Use half of a banana, for example, to resemble a ghost. Use raisins or chocolate chips for the eyes and mouth. An orange with a cut celery stick poked into the top resembles a pumpkin. These are easy to serve at a party and won't involve too much sugar.
Walk While Trick-or-Treating
Too many people get in the car and drive from house to house on Halloween night. This takes out the exercise. Walk while trick-or-treating to get in a good workout without even noticing. Both the kids and adults can benefit greatly from this, but do be careful on the roads.
Stay Hydrated
Not many people are seen carrying around water bottles while they go door-to-door collecting candy. The truth is, staying hydrated while doing this activity is the smart and safe thing to do. Walking between locations for a couple of hours at night can be exhausting and tough on little and big bodies. Staying hydrated can ensure cramps don't develop and people are able to keep going without becoming exhausted.
Having a happy Halloween should be the goal, and that can involve being healthy as well. A couple pieces of candy won't do much harm, but healthier options are much better for a well-rounded holiday that won't break the scale.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.