14 Ways to Handle the Halloween Sugar Rush

But too much candy has a downside. Sugar gives us a quick boost of energy, followed by an even quicker crash that leaves us carving more. Sweets can also make us fatter and let’s not forget about cavities.

Here are some survival tips assembled by veteran parents to help you keep the sugar balanced:

1. Out of sight, out of mind. Hide the candy you have bought so your family (and you) don’t start gorging on it before the holiday.


2. Cut out sweets several days before heading out for trick or treats.


3. Make sure your little goblins have a good hearty meal before they start--they won’t be so tempted to gorge on candy.


4. Save gas and let your kids walk. They will burn off the excess Halloween calories.


5. Mini is best. One-bite chocolate bars, half size portions are a great way to have your candy and eat it too.


6. Go natural. Boxes of raisins, dried fruit, fruit leather and packs of cookies are good alternatives.


7. Forego candy and give out small gifts instead. Temporary tattoos, stickers, stampers or cool pencils are always popular.


8. Slow down the buzz by handing out candy that takes awhile to eat. Fructose-free lollipops or hard candy sweetened naturally are just as delicious.


9. Try creating a community party. Green Halloween is a Seattle based company working with families to help them organize healthier Halloweens where everyone hands out small gifts or sugar-free treats.


10. Take charge of the candy after trick or treating is over. Let your kids keep their favourites and give away the rest. Don't allow the stash to be kept in your child's bedroom.


11. Blow-out or moderation? It depends on your child. Some parents allow their kids one evening of binging, hoping it will teach them their limits. Other parents allow only a certain amount of candy per day. The key is not to make your child feel deprived because this lead to battles.


12. Set up a candy trade and let your kids turn in their candy for other treats like a new toy or special activity.


13. Sticky candy is the most harmful to teeth so minimize gummy bears, toffee and chewy candy.


14. Let your child take a couple of treats to school each day. At the end of the week cut it back to every other day and then phase it out by the third week.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

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