Treats to give
When gathering the treats you will offer this year, think about
some possible low-calorie, low-fat options. Here are some ideas to
get you started thinking:
- Cheese and cracker packages
- Sugar-free gum
- Cheese sticks
- Juice box packages
- Small packages of nuts or raisins
- Package of instant cocoa mix
- Peanuts in the shell
You could also consider giving some nonfood treats, such as
stickers, balloons, crayons, pencils, colored chalk, erasers,
whistles, baseball cards, rubber spiders or worms. A friend of mine
used to give nickels, or in today's economy that may need to be
dimes.
Trick-or-treating
Make sure children eat a meal or snack before going
trick-or-treating so they won't be tempted to dig into their bag of
goodies before they get home.
When children get home, check the treats and keep only treats
which are unopened. Be sure to inspect fruits and homemade goods for
anything suspicious.
It's better to eat trick-or-treat candy over several days as a
substitute for dessert or a few pieces along with a healthy snack.
Halloween party
Having a party for your children and a few friends can reduce
safety concerns. Some nutritious treats for your party could include
popcorn, apples, grapes, bananas, unshelled peanuts and
not-too-sweet cookies.
Kids could help with making the treats, like "pizza faces." Let
kids arrange sliced olives, green peppers, mushrooms, pepperoni and
other food items on English muffins brushed with tomato sauce. Top
with grated cheese for "hair" and heat in the microwave or oven
until the cheese melts.
Halloween treats
Here are some fun treats for ghosts and goblins who come calling
or to serve at a Halloween party at your home. Have the kids help
you make these. They can help with measuring, pressing the mixture
in the pans or shaping into balls. Be sure everyone washes their
hands before they start.
