Make Halloween Sweeter…Without the Candy!

Your kids wont be crying over candy with these tips from NTI instructor, Dr. Caitlin.

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! Most families feel the same way, but fear the inevitable bags of corn-syrup laden confections and subsequent post-candy meltdowns. However, it is possible to enjoy the holiday while minimizing the damage to teeth, tummies and mom’s last nerve.

1. Trade in the bag of candy for a special treat.

After allowing kids to pick out 10-20 pieces of their favorite candy, trade the rest out for a more tangible treat. Sort of like the tooth fairy, the Halloween Candy Fairy (or the Great Pumpkin, or whatever you want to name your new candy-craving creature) comes in the night and trades in the bags of candy for a cool basket of goodies. New books, art supplies, holiday-themed pajamas or gift certificates to movies or a favorite restaurant are all good options.

2. Host a Halloween feast.

There is nothing worse than a bunch of sugar on an empty stomach. Prior to trick or treating, have family and friends come over for a warming, Autumn meal. Serve hearty, protein-rich dishes with fun and spooky themes. Check out this link for recipes. A pre-treat meal will cut down on sugar induced highs and lows.

3. Choose the lesser evil.

Look to minimize artificial colors and flavors. Choose real sugar over corn syrup (or heaven forbid, artificial sweeteners). Dark chocolate is always a good bet. Homemade snacks made with real ingredients are an even better way to celebrate the holiday season. Check out this fabulous recipe for raw caramel and apples or maple caramel corn!

Don’t forget to relax and have fun! Most kiddos can handle a few days of junk. Do some damage control, offer healthy options and have a happy, healthy, Halloween!

For parents and other folks that get carried away with holiday treats check out my nutritional cleanse program offered in partnership with Root Yoga.

Dr. Caitlin O’Connor graduated from the University of Colorado in 2000 with a BA in Anthropology and a minor in Business. She went on to earn her Doctorate in Naturopathy and her Certificate of Naturopathic Midwifery from Bastyr University in 2008. She currently practices naturopathic medicine in Denver, focusing on whole family health including preconception, fertility, pregnancy, pediatrics and beyond. Dr. Caitlin brings her passion for family health to the Reproductive and Life Span classes at NTI. Visit www.allfamiliesnaturalhealth.comto learn more about Dr. Caitlin.