Hauntingly healthy Halloween treats

The appearance of ghosts, goblins and witches can only mean one thing: Halloween is right around the corner, and kids are getting ready to raid the neighborhood for candy. If you’re a parent dreading your child’s inevitable sugar crash, there are some solutions for fun, healthy alternatives to the holiday’s traditionally sugary affair.

Registered dietitian Leigha Klebe promotes healthy eating even during the holiday season by replacing conventional candy with wholesome substitutes.

With childhood obesity on the rise in the U.S. — doubling in the past 20 years — Klebe suggests less sugar and more nutritious snacks to toss in kids’ trick-or-treat bags.

Buddy Fruits specializes in healthy snacks for kids, and its 100 percent natural blended fruit and milk smoothies are a fantastic addition to trick-or-treat loot bags. With only 70 calories per pouch, these all-natural treats do not require refrigeration, contain no preservatives and are gluten-free.

Raisels sour raisins are a healthy take on Sour Patch Kids. These real dried fruit contain 100 percent of the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin C and are rich in antioxidants. They have zero cholesterol, sodium and artificial sweeteners and are also Kosher certified.

Turbana plantain chips, which are also gluten-free, will make you the talk of the playground. With 30 percent less fat, as well as zero trans-fat, zero cholesterol and no preservatives or additives, Turbana’s crunchy, delicious snacks are a healthy alternative to regular potato chips.

Treats don’t all have to be edible. Be creative with your Halloween giveaways and pass out items such as Silly Bandz, Crayons, sidewalk chalk, wax lips, finger puppets, bubbles or noisemakers.

Klebe also has a few tips to keep the imminent candy crush under control.

Ration the loot: Total restriction of candy isn’t healthy. Anything that is restricted or denied tends to take on greater appeal, Klebe says. Stick to small servings by only allowing your child one or two pieces of candy per sitting as a dessert after a healthy meal. A few days after Halloween, put the candy out of sight and out of mind. You can ration out the treats later.

Serve dinner before house hopping: Fill kids’ bellies with a nutritious meal before they head out trick-or-treating. This way, they are less likely to fill up on empty calorie foods, Klebe says. Giving kids healthy foods first will reduce the chances of overindulgence.

Beware of cavities: Halloween candy, as well as any sticky, sugary food, can easily promote tooth decay. Make sure children brush their teeth well after a candy snack and before going to bed.

With a little forethought and moderation, Halloween can remain a delicious, healthy and fun holiday for children and adults alike.

Tyger Danger is a freelance writer living in Winter Park. Visit TygerDanger.com