Halloween Candy – yikes!

Terrified about managing the Halloween candy? This is a great opportunity to set an example and teach children how to manage cravings and self-regulate their eating.

Here are some tips:

• Have the kids pick their favorite 10-14 pieces of candy and give the rest away. Have them enjoy one piece a day after lunch or as a snack, until it’s gone.
• Bring candy into the office! A bunch of people having a few pieces of candy is better than you having all of them.
• Donate candy at a dentist or doctor’s office.
• Have the “candy fairy” visit. Let the kids have a few pieces of candy on Halloween and tell them about the candy fairy. Once the kids are in bed, switch out the candy stash for a toy.
• Consider trying an activity that doesn’t involve candy. Take the kids bowling or out to the movies. If you don’t have kids in the house, take a new class at the gym, run errands, go shopping, or turn down the lights and cozy up with a good book.

Sweets and treats are part of life. Savor them and enjoy them in moderation!