For Some the Scary Part of Halloween is What Gets Left Behind: Guest Column

Scariest Part of Halloween: Weight Gain!

Halloween means extra calories and, for many, that means extra pounds. In fact, eating just two of those seemingly innocent “fun-sized” treats per day over two months can lead to a two-pound weight-gain, and this is right before the major eating season begins.

Candy, although quite a treat, is a non-nutrient dense food, made predominantly of sugar and empty calories. Yet, according to estimates by the US Census Bureau, the average American consumes almost 26 pounds of candy each year, a large percentage of it around Halloween. So how do you thwart temptation? Danielle Platt, MS, RD, LDN, Assistant Director, Patient Services, Paoli Hospital, offers a few tips to help.

• Buy candy that you don’t like.

• Eat before heading out to trick or treat, or while manning the door.

• Curb a sweet tooth with gum.

• Put candy out of site at the end of the day and set limits until it’s gone or just toss out the leftovers.

• Hand out “healthy” treats: popcorn, raisins, pretzels, or novelties like stickers, pencils, or temporary tattoos.

• Allow children to pick a certain number of their favorites, then trade the remaining for a special treat, like a movie, a book, or a small toy. It’s a win-win for all.

• Throw a party instead of trick-or-treating to have more control over what and how much the children consume. It also allows for activities and games, therefore burning calories.

• Stay active with some type of daily activity. Some fun ways to keep moving include raking leaves, playing flag football or a game of catch, taking a quick nature walk, or having a scavenger hunt.

Finally, if you do give into temptation, like most of us will, don’t get down on yourself. Instead, be selective and choose what you like best in the smallest portion and keep the wrapper(s) handy as a reminder of what you’ve consumed!