Try these tricks for a fun, healthier Halloween

Halloween is a holiday that is fun for the entire family. But often, it also involves lots of candy and sugary treats. There are many fun alternatives to candy" things that promote health rather than encourage unhealthy choices.

The schools are doing a good job in promoting healthy snacks given as rewards, at classroom parties, and in vending machines. Parents are becoming more conscious of the importance of helping kids maintain a healthy weight. With a little planning, it’s possible to choose Halloween treats which reinforce the idea that a treat doesn’t have to be loaded with sugar, salt, and fat.

When looking for treats for party-goers or trick-or-treaters, think outside the box. Consider nutritious and tasty foods as well as non-food items.

Individual packages of dried fruit or baked pretzels are easy to distribute. Fresh fruit, often called nature’s candy, can also be a real treat. Some other suggestions are sugar-free gum, low-fat granola bars, snack size microwaveable popcorn or low-fat crackers.

You don’t have to give out food treats. Actual research shows that kids are quite happy with alternative treats, such as:

• Stickers or temporary tattoos

• Gel pens, fun pencils, or pencil toppers

• Erasers

• Plastic rings or bracelets

• Squeeze-foam balls

• Nickels, dimes or quarters

• Bookmarks

• Bottles of bubbles

• Other Halloween theme items from a party store

To encourage children to be more physically active, consider small, inexpensive toys that will encourage them to get up and move. This might be as simple as a bouncy ball, a beanbag for hacky sack, a plastic or foam flier, a jump rope, or sidewalk chalk for drawing a hopscotch or foursquare game. Make trick or treating a family activity. Walk with your children as they go door to door. This provides good exercise for both parents and children. It also gives parents a chance to limit the amount of candy the children eat as they go.

For a tasty fall party treat and to encourage eating of fruits and vegetables, you may want to try this dip. Stir in some orange food coloring to add to a party atmosphere.

Creamy Peanut Dip

1⁄4 cup creamy peanut butter

2 tablespoons orange juice (or other juice)

1⁄2 cup lowfat vanilla yogurt

In a small bowl mix the peanut butter and juice until smooth. Stir in the yogurt. Cover and refrigerate until chilled. Makes 6 servings of 2 tablespoons each.

Nutrition information per serving: 80 calories, 95 mg. sodium, 5 grams fat, 6 grams carbohydrate, 4 grams sugar.

Finally, remember that children watch and imitate the adults in their lives. Be a good role model by making healthy choices yourself. When you model good habits, children in your care will be more likely to make healthy choices.

For more information on topics related to family and consumer issues, please contact the Bourbon County Extension office on first floor of the courthouse, or call 223-3720. Happy Halloween!