I feel like there is some small part of moms everywhere that dreads Halloween. Sure, maybe you love kids in their adorable costumes and pumpkin carving time with the family, but let’s face it. You’re wondering just how long that bucket or pumpkin or pillowcase or bag of candy is going to stick around this year.
Every child knows exactly how many pieces of candy he or she got, whether trick or treating at school, a special event, in your building or the neighborhood. Don’t even try to pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about! It’s like some ridiculous gene that kids are born with, a freakish sixth sense. But no one wants to be rationing out the candy through New Year’s – if you’re like me, you just want the stuff out of your house as soon as possible!
Here are some tips on how to make your Halloween healthier faster:
Don’t worry so much about running out of candy for the trick or treaters. Buy what you think you need and only what you think you need – you don’t need to add to the pile of candy by creating your own. When the stash is out, turn off your lights or place a sign on the door – that’s it! Don’t feel guilty. The world needs a lot of things, and more candy is not on the top of the list.
Put the candy out of reach and make a rule about when your child gets to select and eat one item. Maybe it’s to go in his or her lunch that you pack for school. Maybe it’s only after a solid dinner was eaten. Then pull out the candy stash, and your kids can have fun choosing their one reward. Then put it away and out of sight! Temptation doesn’t need to linger.
If making homemade Halloween treats with the family is your thing, consider going vegan or gluten-free or both. Vegan and gluten-free cooking has come a very long way – there are a lot of delicious recipes out there that are half the calories and nowhere near as sugar-y. And it’s not like our kids need more sugar!
Consider setting an expiration date for Halloween. As in, you get to eat one treat a day every day for exactly two weeks, and then Halloween is over. (You can adjust this deadline however you feel comfortable.) Your misery will end sooner, and your dentist will thank you!
Consider turning the reward for eating candy into something involving vegetables. For instance, you might get your kid to try a new vegetable or eat his or her entire serving if there is a candy item waiting as a reward. Maybe that involves a little bribery, but bribery in the name of eating your veggies is okay by me!
DASHA® Enterprises, LLC works with independent practices and servicing providers that offer an integrated holistic solution to reach your total body well-being. Our client providers share our philosophy of total body health and work with us to bring you an all-inclusive experience.
DASHA® is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
