Halloween Candy Okay for Kids, But in Moderation, Says Dietitian
by Pat Melgares

Children anxious for Halloween may be happy to know that eating the holiday's goodies is okay with Sandy Procter, a registered dietitian.

But Procter says parents must encourage moderation.

"You have to believe that balance is what makes (good health), and all foods can fit," said Procter, who is with Kansas State University Research and Extension. "That's sort of the motto we need to live by.

"There's no reason to overly restrict candy if it can be treated with the attitude that this is one of those special times, and a little will fit in to the child's good health and nutrition."

Procter suggests that parents and children talk about expectations prior to trick-or-treating, such as how many houses and which neighborhoods a child can go to, or other safety considerations.

At her own house, Procter said, when the children returned home from trick-or-treating, the "treasure" was carefully sorted; opened or unwrapped candy was thrown away; certain pieces were given to others; and the "favorites" were rationed - such as one piece after meal time or after school. Occasionally, the candy lasted longer than did the interest in it.

"Then, I have to admit, some of it just 'magically' disappeared," Procter said.

"It's good to instill in kids that trick-or-treating is not a free-for-all," she added, saying that "some of the best situations on Halloween are the organized activities held by towns, neighborhoods or some organizations."

One idea for parents, she said, is to take children out for "a few stops" at nearby houses, then host a small party at home for neighborhood children and adults. Parties at a local mall, zoo or other attraction also help kids enjoy the holiday's fun without over-doing it on the candy.

"You can focus on the excitement of the day, and make getting candy less of an issue," Procter said. "The big deal is dressing up and seeing the pumpkins on the steps."

For those who like to stay home and hand out treats, some healthier food ideas include small packs of raisins with a piece of candy; fruit; cereal bars with orange and brown M&Ms inside; or other homemade goodies, Procter said.

For safety, she added, you should avoid giving "choke-ables" to children under age 3, such as jawbreakers or other hard candy.

Some non-food choices might include:
  • Halloween pencils, erasers or stickers;
  • Coupons to a local store;
  • Wooden nickels for an ice cream cone.
"Those kinds of things can really add to the holiday, make it last longer and be something besides candy," Procter said.

For more information on health and nutrition, interested persons may contact their local K-State Research and Extension office.

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Source: Pat Melgares, News Coordinator
pmelgare@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research and Extension

For more information: Sandy Procter is at 785-532-1675