The Voice of Mom

To ensure that you and your kids have a healthy and happy Halloween this year, the folks at National Confectioners Association (NCA) have put together a handy little list of tips.

• Eat before your trick-or-treat. Serve a nutritious dinner before your children set out for a night of candy-collecting. Your kids will be happier and more full, which will help reduce the temptation to eat candy at each trick-or-treat stop. During the meal, take the opportunity to discuss Halloween safety, as well as the importance of healthy eating and lifestyle choices.

• Sort and save. Allow your kids to enjoy some of their Halloween bounty. Then work with them to portion out two or three treats in small bags. Create a week’s-worth of bags to accompany nutritious school lunches or to serve as after-school snacks.

• Mix things up. To give candy a healthy punch, consider making your own trail mix. Combine raisins, peanuts and even cereal with your child’s favorite candy or chocolate treat.

• Practical pairings and portion control. Try pairing caramels with an apple or a snack-sized candy bar with a banana.

• Make it or break it. Most candies now come in snack-size. For the ones that don’t, break them into sections and store them separately to make your own miniature sizes!

For more on Halloween celebrations, check out NCA’s Tricks and Treats for a Ghoulishly Fun Halloween and Treat Smarts: A Guide to Nutrition and Activity. Both are available at www.candyusa.org. And visit NCA’s new candy blog at www.candydishblog.com for more on Halloween and industry news.