While your kids are psyched for their festive costumes and Halloween classics, nothing comes close to all the mouth-watering sweets they are waiting to devour. While\u00a0 it\u2019s fun to watch them explode with enthusiasm during this season, it\u2019s not so fun thinking of all the cavities and possible tummy aches waiting to haunt them.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Maintaining healthy habits for your little ones is important, especially during the holidays. Having them finish the year strong with consistent eating habits (even though they may indulge here and there) helps them build healthy relationships with food that will grow with them.<\/p>\n
So, before we get to the sweet stuff, let\u2019s look at why it\u2019s a good practice to maintain healthy habits for kids on Halloween.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cKids are continuing to grow and develop, so they must consume a variety of foods,\u201d says Jennifer Norris, MS, RDN, at BALANCE eating disorder treatment center. \u201cThis is also an exceptional time for children to cultivate a healthy relationship with food and understand the necessity of balance with food.\u201d Leading by example can help them grasp the concept more. It\u2019s tricky when they want all the Halloween treats at once, but exploring what they can have instead of what they can\u2019t, is more likely to prevent overindulgence.<\/p>\n Cavities aren\u2019t fun\u2014not to mention that jaw-clenching trip to the dentist to get them corrected. This can be a nightmare for kids and adults, too. Monitoring candy intake and portion sizes as well as ensuring they are brushing their teeth at least twice daily, especially after eating sweets, will do the trick\u2014or in this case, treat.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile candy might be delicious, having too much can cause an upset stomach and increase blood glucose levels,\u201d says Norris. Other symptoms may include bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea\u2014not fun at all. Too much sugar can affect the healthy bacteria in their guts, which, as a result, can be a gateway for chronic illnesses to develop down the road. Keeping score of their candy intake can prevent an eruption of tummy worries their future selves will\u00a0 thank them for.<\/p>\n While sweets are delicious and enjoyable, they are mostly empty calories. And empty calories, if consumed in excess, may lead to unhealthy weight gain. The extra calories (if not utilized in the body) can get stored as fat. Norris also adds that \u201cit is helpful to include a balanced dinner before trick-or-treating as it shows children the importance of having a variety of nutrients in addition to any candy they may have.\u201d Teaching kids the importance of listening to their bodies when full is teaching them mindfulness. \u201cAnd practicing mindfulness with children is a great way to help them maintain healthy habits,\u201d says Norris.<\/p>\n With these benefits in mind, you may wonder how you can curb sweet cravings while keeping their health in mind. With these four tips, you can monitor their sugar intake without a sugar burst.<\/p>\n Let your kids be your sous chef. <\/strong>Kids love when they are helping and being a part of something great. So what better way than to get them involved in the kitchen? \u201cIt can be a fun opportunity to bake with children as they create healthier versions of some fall favorites,\u201d says Norris. Have them pour out the ingredients, make silly faces with fruits, dice up some apples\u2014whatever it is, they will more likely enjoy the finished product knowing they were a part of the masterpiece.\u00a0<\/p>\n This can be a great teaching moment as you explain the benefits of each ingredient. Chances are they may appreciate the home-prepped goodies even more while satisfying their sweet tooth. Make it fun and creative! Turn up some tunes, put on a funky costume, and get groovy!<\/p>\n Use sugar substitutes as replacements. <\/strong>Excessive consumption of added sugars during childhood has been linked to increased risks of health issues later in life. But entirely removing sugar can dull and bland foods, so instead of skipping out on sweet delicacies, opt for sugar substitutes. Ingredients\u00a0 like agave nectar, applesauce, ripe bananas, dates, coconut sugar, honey, and cocoa nibs can\u00a0 do the trick. They create unique flavors, add nutritional value, and are much healthier than sugar. Your little ones won\u2019t even notice the difference.<\/p>\n More fruits, please. <\/strong>Fruits are always a good choice as a snack or treat. Getting creative with fruits can quickly satisfy a sweet tooth. \u201cParents can incorporate fresh seasonal fruits, such as pears and cranberries, into their child\u2019s meals,\u201d says Norris. Get crafty by \u201cmaking pumpkins from mandarin oranges or bananas as ghosts for an interactive snack.\u201d Don\u2019t forget about all the fantastic nutrition they will get!<\/p>\n Avoid using candy as a reward. <\/strong>It can be tempting to trade a lollipop for good behavior or some chocolate for completing chores, but this is a sneaky way of increasing sugar intake without even thinking about it. Try offering an activity that you can do together as a reward. For example, if they complete their chores, they can watch their favorite spooktacular movie and perhaps even make some chocolate popcorn balls.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the thing: satisfying your kids\u2019 sweet tooth doesn\u2019t have to be sour and bland\u2014or even about candy. You can \u2018trick-and-treat\u2019 them with creative, seasonal foods that are nutritious and oh-so-tasty.\u00a0 Check out these notorious sweater-weather favorites!<\/p>\n Sweet potatoes are nutritious and filled with vitamins A and C, potassium, and magnesium. It\u2019s easy to forget that they are vegetables as they can morph into many recipes. How about making a rich, creamy smoothie with pumpkin spice, greek yogurt, and banana?\u00a0 Try this spiced sweet potato smoothie; it\u2019s bound to be a winner among kids.<\/p>\n Fall and apples just go together. They\u2019re the perfect snack any time of day that won\u2019t give your child a sugar high. For instance, try these loaded apple bagels that can serve up in under five minutes.\u00a0<\/p>\n Slice a ripe apple into circles like a bagel; make a circle in the center as you remove the seeds. Add delicious toppings as spreads, such as cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and nut butter\u2014and either fresh fruits, cocoa nibs, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of honey. The combinations are endless! Even \u201cbaked apples are simple and delicious fall-friendly snacks,\u201d says Norris.<\/p>\n Loaded with vitamins B and C and antioxidants, cranberries provide many health benefits that are essential for your growing child. They are a known fall favorite and are excellent additives to baked goodies. Let\u2019s take this oat scone and cranberry recipe for starters\u2014flaky, fiber-filled goodness your kids will savor.<\/p>\n This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\tYanique is a full-time mom, diet tech, content creator, and natural health writer. She holds a Bachelor’s in nutrition with over ten years of knowledge and personal experience in holistic and natural health, nutrition, fitness, wellness, and lifestyle. She enjoys trips to the beach and serving up a good home-cooked meal.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p><\/div>\nIt helps teach the importance of moderation<\/h2>\n
Kids are less likely to develop cavities\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Healthy habits support digestion and gut health<\/h2>\n
It helps kids maintain a healthy weight<\/h2>\n
Sweet potatoes<\/h2>\n
Apples\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Cranberries\u00a0<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\tYanique Pitter\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n
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