Tricks and treats to have a Healthy Halloween

10/06/2021

According to the National Retail Federation, consumer spending on Halloween-related items is expected to reach an all-time high of $10.14 billion this year — up from $8.05 billion in 2020. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, you may think about ways to make your Halloween celebrations both fun and healthy.

Here is a quick checklist from Alexandra Nichols, a Nuvance Health bariatric registered dietitian, the American Heart Society and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to ensure your seasonal treats and toys deliver a healthy dose of fun kids and adults can each enjoy!

Healthy Treat Alternatives

Individual 100 percent fruit cups – in water or its own juice
Popcorn
Whole wheat pretzels
Graham crackers
100 percent real fruit strips

Candy/Food Alternatives

Jelly bracelets
Fake teeth or wax fangs
Jump ropes
Stickers and stamps
Bubbles
Temporary tattoos
Erasers, coloring pencils and crayons
Plastic spider rings
Small Halloween-themed notebooks
Noise makers and whistles
Glow Sticks
Bouncy balls
Slime, putty or squishy toys

Seasonal Activities

Scavenger or treasure hunts
Walk through a corn maze
Pumpkin carving or painting contest
Visit an apple orchard or pumpkin field
Dance
Relay races
Host a haunted house

Alexandra Nichols is a bariatric registered dietitian at Putnam Hospital Center in Carmel, NY, and Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, NY. Learn more about Nuvance Health’s bariatric and metabolic weight-loss programs here.