, Fla. — Halloween can leave families with enough candy to last for weeks. An Orlando Health dietitian says a little planning can help children enjoy their treats while keeping balanced meals part of their routine.
“Halloween is meant to be fun, and candy can absolutely be part of the celebration,” said Marsha Woolery, a registered dietitian at Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital. “The key is teaching moderation and helping children develop a healthy relationship with treats rather than making them feel forbidden.”
The American Heart Association recommends that children ages 2 through 18 consume no more than 25 grams, or about six teaspoons, of added sugar daily.
Woolery offered four strategies for handling the Halloween haul.
Serve candy with meals
Woolery suggests offering candy as dessert rather than letting it become a snack eaten throughout the day.
“Think of Halloween candy as dessert, not as a snack that’s eaten all day long,” she said.
Pairing treats with foods such as cheese or Greek yogurt can make them part of a more balanced eating occasion, she said.
Divide treats into portions
After trick-or-treating, Woolery recommends separating candy into smaller servings.
“I tell parents to create little treat bags with a set number of pieces for each day,” she said. “When that day’s candy is gone, it’s gone.”
Her suggestion is intended to establish expectations and help children practice moderation.
Agree on a timeframe
Families can decide ahead of time how long Halloween candy will remain part of their routine.
“Tell children ahead of time that Halloween candy is available for a certain period, for example one week or a designated timeframe that works for your family,” Woolery said.
She described the approach as providing structure around treats.
Find ways to use leftovers
Small amounts of leftover candy can be incorporated into other snacks, Woolery said.
One example is a homemade trail mix with whole-grain cereal, dried fruit, age-appropriate ingredients and a few pieces of candy.
“You still get the fun flavor of Halloween candy, but you’re also adding fiber, protein and other nutrients that help create a more balanced snack,” she said.
Woolery emphasized that families should focus on their overall eating habits.
“The goal isn’t perfection. One night of trick-or-treating isn’t what impacts long-term health,” she said. “It’s the habits we practice every day.”
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