How to Tackle Halloween by Rosanne Rust

• Buy wisely. Think about exactly how much candy you will need for Trick-or-Treaters, then buy just enough. Don’t open any of the bags until that night.
  
• Do allow yourself a treat. If you love candy bars (as I do), then allow yourself to have one or two of your favorite ‘fun-size’ bars on trick-or-treat night. Then, give the rest away or hide them away so you aren’t tempted the following day or two.
  However, if you really have a hard time staying away from the candy, consider purchasing healthier treats or alternatives. (Mini pretzel bags, stickers, small trinket-type toys.)
  Fall is a great time to cook vegetables and eat more of them.


• Add more vegetables to your stew, such as chopped carrots, chopped green beans, or chunks of zucchini. When you make chili, try a vegetable recipe instead, or add two varieties of beans to the meat. Cube a variety of vegetables and roast them with olive oil and garlic.
  
• Don’t give up on your exercise routine just because the days are darker and cooler. Invest in a light water-resistant jacket and some long pants for walking. Buy a reflective vest or jacket so you can fit your daily walk in even if it’s dark outside (such as early morning or evenings). Enlist a friend for company and safety.
  
• Try some light recipes. Pick up a copy of Cooking Light magazine or check out some low fat cooking websites to find lower calorie alternatives to your favorite comfort food recipes.
  Stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep. Studies have shown that people who get 7-8 hours of sleep daily have an easier time losing weight or maintaining their weight, than those who get too little or too much.
  
  Healthier Halloween Parties
  Most school classrooms still host holiday parties and many schools have instituted wellness policies. Instead of focusing on the treats, provide a few wholesome goodies and then come up with some games. Children love the time off from schoolwork to play fun games such as charades or a skeleton relay (find a picture of a skeleton, cut out each bone part, have students line up and run to the board to begin putting the parts together correctly). Have fun and model good health!
  
  CARAMEL APPLE SLICES
  An average, commercially prepared, caramel apple provides about 360 calories and 6 grams of fat (the decadent type would be much more). A simple alternative is providing a tray of apple slices with a small bowl of fat-free caramel dip. The dip does contain sugar and empty calories, but you can control the portion this way. It will be more likely the children will ingest more apples, and less caramel, but still enjoy a treat.
  
  ORANGE WEDGES
  Cut an orange into five or six wedges and place in a decorative bowl. It could not get much simpler and kids love them.
  
  PRETZEL TRAIL MIX
  Combine mini pretzels, raisins, cereal and a small amount of mini chocolate chips. Mix and serve in small paper cups.