Staying Healthy – While Still Getting to Eat Halloween Candy

To manage Halloween candy intake, balance consumption by eating meals with protein and fiber before enjoying sweets, setting daily limits for yourself, and getting rid of excess candy through donation programs or by rationing it over time. You can also encourage healthier eating throughout the day by serving nutritious meals.

Before Trick-or-Treating

• Serve a balanced meal: Eat a filling, healthy meal with protein, fiber, and vegetables before trick-or-treating to prevent overindulging on empty calories later. 
• Set expectations: Know how much candy you can have on Halloween night and what will happen to the rest of the candy afterward. 

During and After Halloween

• Eat in moderation: Allow yourself to enjoy some candy on Halloween night but avoid eating it on an empty stomach to prevent blood sugar spikes and cravings. 
• Incorporate treats into meals: Add a small portion of candy to a balanced meal that contains protein and fiber to increase satisfaction. 
• Establish a daily limit: Decide on a reasonable daily amount of candy to eat, like one or two small pieces a day, to avoid feeling deprived and to prevent binging. 
• Practice mindful eating: Stop eating before feeling full or sick. 

Managing Leftover Candy

• Ration the candy: Sort through the candy and pick out a few favorites to keep. 
• Donate to others: Give the rest to a local food bank, deployed military troops, or a friend who couldn’t go trick-or-treating
• Avoid stockpiling: Don’t buy large bags of discounted candy after November 1 to avoid extra sugar and calories in the house.