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Halloween Candy Alternatives

Have you seen any teal pumpkins out on Halloween? Typically this designates an allergy-free or candy-free house. I'm so thankful that the "teal pumpkin project" is becoming more popular. With the increase in food allergies and awareness of the detrimental effects of sugar on our health, it is about time this holiday got a revamp.

On Halloween night, a child typically eats more than 100 grams of added sugar from candy alone (that is approximately 10 fun size candy bars.) They are likely consuming this amount every day following until their "stash" is depleted. The recommended daily limit (aka daily MAXIMUM) for children 2-18 years old is approximately 25g of sugar, although there is absolutely no dietary need for sugar. Even at this level sugar can decrease immunity, deplete minerals, damage teeth, alter gut microbiota, exacerbate behavioral problems, increase inflammation and the risk of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and cancer. Not to mention, research has shown that sugar activates the same area of the brain as cocaine, methamphetamines, and morphine, making it the most addictive food we can eat.

So what are the alternatives? Here are a few kid favorites:

1. Glow sticks These are my favorite non-candy halloween item. They are affordable, help with visibility at night, and kids of all ages love them

**Here are some you can find at Amazon and Target

2. Sticky hands/pumpkins These are just plain fun, and so much better than sticky candy hands

**How cute are these sticky pumpkins from Oriental Trading Co.

3. Spider rings Because who doesn't like a little extra holiday bling (especially when it is cheaper than candy)

4. Halloween whistles Safety meets fun with themed whistles that even the smallest trick-or-treaters can enjoy

**I love this set of 72 for $8 from Oriental Trading Co.

5. Stamps Bring out the inner artist in kids with these fun stamps

**This stamp set from Amazon would be adorable handed out with these Halloween notepads from Oriental Trading Co.

6. Stickers/temporary tattoos Because temporary fun beats a lifetime of diabetes

**These sticker packs come with 50 sheets with 11 stickers for only $3.99 at Oriental Trading Co. Or go with these fun glow-in-the-dark temporary tattoos from Oriental Trading Co.

7. Pencils/erasers Something they actually need that doubles as a halloween hand-out, it is a win-win.

**This is a fun pencil/eraser/notebook set from Target

8. Vampire teeth A classic Halloween toy, no cavities included

**Like this glow-in-the-dark set from Oriental Trading Co.

9. Wikkistix These wax sticks are so much fun to play with, and can be molded and reformed as many times as you want. They even make individual Halloween packs that come with 8 wikkistix and a Halloween inspired activity sheet.

**I found these Wikkistix Halloween packs on Amazon

10. Combinations sets If you can't decide on just one thing, go with a combination pack so there is something that everyone will be excited about.

**Like this jack-o-lantern assortment from Oriental Trading Co. or this 138 piece set that comes with vampire teeth, spider rings, sticky hands, and bubbles for just $8 from Target

I know what you are thinking.... Aren't kids going to be disappointed if I don't have candy?

This worried me initially, but I have to tell you kids were so excited to see something other than candy! We left a bucket out last year while we took our son trick-or-treating, and as we were getting home there were some kids going through our bucket that yelled excitedly to their mom "THIS HOUSE HAS TOYS!!" I promise you, kids will be happy, and parents will thank you. Bonus: you know those late night teens that come around and dump your bucket... turns out vampire fangs and stickers aren't what they want.

Does it cost more?

The items I shared are very reasonably priced. For $4 you can get 96 spider rings, or for $6 you can have 100 glow sticks, or for $8 you can have a fun 138 piece assortment. A 90 pack of chocolate bars costs about $10, so you'd actually be saving money. Plus, anything that is left over can be saved for next year. Stock up when they go on clearance after Halloween to really keep the cost down.

What if I don't have a teal pumpkin?

Don't let not having a teal pumpkin hold you back from going non-candy this Halloween. If you don't have a teal pumpkin you can tie a teal bow around your mailbox, or attach a sign like this to your front door.

My child ends up with way too much candy. What can we do with all this?

I get it, we love taking our son trick-or-treating but not many neighbors participate in the teal pumpkin project yet. I personally allow my son to eat 2-3 pieces of candy on Halloween night, pick a few favorites for future treats, then we get rid of the rest. I've heard of a few good options for getting rid of the candy that don't result in tears.

The "Switch Witch" is a great idea for younger trick-or-treaters. You put the candy out Halloween night and the "witch" comes and takes the candy and replaces it with a book, craft, small toy, etc. No tears, no struggle, no candy.

Many dentists offer Halloween candy buy back, where they will give you $1 per pound and send it to troops overseas. A few bucks can be enough incentive for kids to give up their sweets, plus you can help them understand where their candy is going and who it is helping. Visit halloweencandybuyback.com to find which dentists near you participate.

There are also a few organizations that you can send the candy to yourself that will distribute the candy to our dedicated men and women serving overseas. Soldier's Angels has a "Treats for Troops" program that you can read about here. Operation gratitude has a similar program you can learn more about here.

Resources

DiNicolantonio JJ, O'Keefe JH, Wilson WL; Sugar addiction: is it real? A narrative review Br J Sports Med Published Online First: 23 August 2017. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2017-097971

Ochoa, Melissa et al. “Dietary Sugars: Their Detection by the Gut–brain Axis and Their Peripheral and Central Effects in Health and Diseases.” European Journal of Nutrition 54 (2015): 1–24. PMC. Web. 19 Sept. 2018.


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Dr. Ashley Richiardi DC

CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN & MERCIER PELVIC THERAPIST

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© 2024 Balanced Body Natural Health. The contents of this website are for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your personal health care provider prior to any dietary or lifestyle changes.

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