Posted Oct 31, 2009
Halloween can test the resolve of even the most dedicated dieters. Enticing treat displays in store after store assault us with mountains of mouthwatering sweets, from candy corn to chocolates to licorice. Few, it seems, can resist. The average American will spend nearly $20 on candy treats this Halloween, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2009 Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey.
For many parents looking to improve their family’s nutrition, Halloween can be a scary time. Thankfully, there are better options that can satisfy even the most wicked cravings, says Healthyroads, Inc., the wellness subsidiary of leading personal health improvement company American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). Healthyroads offers the following seven tips to help prevent Halloween weight gain from haunting your family:
1. Serve healthier foods at your Halloween fest. Consider:
* Dried fruits like cherries and raisins
* Healthy nuts and seeds, such as unsalted almonds and pumpkin seeds
* Pretzels, low-fat popcorn balls, or low-fat fig bars
* Sugar-free hot cocoa or hot apple cider
2. Hand out healthier treats to trick-or-treating kids. There are an increasing number of options that can satisfy a sweet tooth, such as:
* Sugar-free gummy treats and hard candies
* Sugar-free bubble gum and chewing gum sticks
* Snack packs of mini pretzels or raisins
* Small juice boxes or sugar-free hot chocolate packets
* Raw, unsalted almonds or trail mix
* Applesauce cups
* Fat-free fortune cookies that offer the extra fun of a hidden
“fortune” inside
3. Give out candy alternatives, such as:
* Colorful balloons that kids can blow up or fill with water
* Glow bracelets, necklaces, and wands
* Sports cards, such as baseball cards
* Book marks, stickers
* Face paints, temporary tattoos
* Crayons, colored pencils, erasers
4. Set limits on the number of treats per day. Let kids choose two healthier treats per day, or one higher-calorie treat per day for up to a week after Halloween.
5. Pair treats with healthy foods. Insist that your kids eat half an apple, orange, or banana before they can eat a candy. Once they eat the fruit, they may be less tempted by the treat, and they may learn to love healthier foods.
6. Stash treats for future rewards or rainy days. Hide remaining treats in the freezer, so you can dole out small rewards for healthy behaviors, such as a reward for playing soccer or riding a bike, or for eating veggies. Or save treats for a “rainy day” when kids are sick, bored, or have had a major disappointment. A small indulgence now in then can be just the right medicine.
7. Don’t sneak the treats! When you’re tempted to dip into your kids’ treat bags (and you will be tempted), snap out of it! Go for a walk or run instead. Call a friend or health coach who will reinforce your weight or health goals. Post your long-term weight or diet goals on the refrigerator door, or a photo of something you plan to give yourself as a reward for maintaining a healthy weight. Go to your health plan web site and update your health profile. Stay positive, strong, and committed to your goals.
Don’t get spooked by Halloween health fears this year. Follow these tips, and you won’t have to worry about Halloween weight gain haunting your family.
American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH) is a national health and wellness company that provides population health management programs including prevention and wellness services, specialty network management programs, and fitness and exercise services to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds. Based in San Diego, ASH has more than 700 employees and covers over 15.6 million members. For more information, visit ASH online at www.ASHCompanies.com or call 800-848-3555.
This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com
SOURCE: American Specialty Health
Date: Oct 31, 2009 © Copyright 2009 GlobeNewswire, Inc. All rights reserved.
Editor’s Note:
Some dentists will take your extra halloween candy and send it to our troops overseas. Go to www.halloweencandybuyback.com to find a local dentist participating in the program.