Candy Season

Berry Scary Shake.
Berry Scary Shake – 2 Guiding Stars

Halloween marks the unofficial start of the holiday season. Our homes will fill with candy, diminishing just in time for Thanksgiving pie. Let’s think about the best wellness approach for this “candy season.”

Every Day vs. Sometimes

Help children learn to balance their Halloween bounty with nutritious choices. Teach them that there is no such thing as “good” and “bad” food. Instead, there are some food choices that we enjoy “every day” because they are best for our bodies. These foods give us the nutrition and energy we need to do the things we love to do. “Sometimes” foods, however, do not offer our bodies these benefits, and therefore aren’t needed every day. This is a simple, yet essential, distinction. It reminds our children (and us!) that these foods aren’t “bad” or that we should feel bad for eating them. It teaches children that we all love candy and treats, but that our bodies just don’t need them every day. And it’s a lesson that will serve them well as they grow and become more independent eaters.

Balance Other Choices

Focus on other aspects of your child’s diet to create a better-balanced day when candy and treats are abundant. Limit sources of added sugar in beverages and other snacks. Include more veggies with snacks and meals. And emphasize Guiding Stars earning food and beverages. By doing so, you’re providing your child with nutritious options to fuel their day and satisfy them. This nourishing approach also controls hunger so that children aren’t looking toward candy to fill them up.

Limit Candy

It’s helpful to make some of that candy less accessible too. Pass on the candy bowl and store it out of the way instead. Use chocolate and candies for unique cookie dough (freeze and bake when fewer sweets abound). Alternatively, freeze chocolates and treats to savor at another time of the year. Lastly, donate candy to the troops to help children feel good about sharing and lifting someone else (visit Operationshoebox.com).

Stay Active

It can be tough to stick to a routine when the calendar fills with seasonal gatherings and events. But remaining active as a family is most important during these times. Show children that, even when we’re busy, we still stay on track with wellness. This is especially important when we’re enjoying events and parties with more of those “sometimes” foods. And this message should be carefully crafted for our youngest eaters. Emphasize that it’s simply always about balance (like with all aspects of life). Whether it’s a long walk at an orchard, a beautiful fall hike, or embracing at-home fitness, remind children that regular activity is an essential part of life.

Celebrate with Guiding Stars

Trick-or-treating to collect candy is just one piece of Halloween. There are often several school parties and other gatherings that precede October 31st. These events mean more candy and treats, and they add to the challenge of balancing “sometimes” and “every day” foods. Guiding Stars is here to help with ideas that create a spooky good time without giving your kids a scary amount of sugar. Try these Halloween dishes to perfectly balance out the party buffet table:

Candy Corn Parfait

Candy Corn Parfait

Three Guiding Stars iconThree Guiding Stars indicate the best nutritional value.

View recipe »
Pumpkin Hummus

Pumpkin Hummus

Three Guiding Stars iconThree Guiding Stars indicate the best nutritional value.

View recipe »
Honey Mustard Snack Mix

Honey Mustard Snack Mix

Two Guiding Stars iconTwo Guiding Stars indicate better nutritional value.

View recipe »
Monster Muffins

Monster Muffins

Three Guiding Stars iconThree Guiding Stars indicate the best nutritional value.

Make them mini to serve more children!

View recipe »

Read on for advice on creating an allergy-friendly Halloween.