I’m a mom and most of the people I hang out with are moms. Halloween is one of those holidays that is so fun yet we, as moms, also tend to dread. We dread the sugar highs then crashes, the tantrums when we tell them no candy for breakfast and the endless temptation for ourselves with that huge candy bowl on top of the fridge (or wherever we think we can hide it.)

I was really thinking about this and came to this conclusion; we don’t want our kids to miss out but we don’t want to be filled with guilt and regret either. Then the big question is: What do we do?

My suggestions are:

1. Make healthier versions of favorite treats together.
2. Feed them a high protein, high fat meal before trick or treating or heading to that church fall festival.
3. Let them keep a designated amount of candy then trade the rest in for a much coveted toy/outfit/game.
4. Have your own Halloween Party and invite all your kids favorite friends and provide creative and fun (healthy) treats and games for wonderful memories sans the insane amount of candy.
5. Let them keep a designated amount of candy then donate the rest to the troops or a women and children’s shelter.

The fact of the matter is that we can’t shelter them from everything. However, we do have the power to modify the situation and make it better.

Here are some fun (and health coach approved) treats I found on Pinterest that I plan on trying and you might want to too.

Ghostly Boo-nanas with tangerine pumpkins

Chocolate covered peanut butter, banana bites

Healthy No Bake Pumpkin Cookies

Homemade Marshmallows

Healthy Fruit Snacks

And last but not least a Green Smoothie Recipe for 4:

A fun name for it is “The Green Goblin” or whatever other name you come up for it:

• 1 cup vanilla yogurt
• 2 large navel oranges or 3 medium sized oranges
• 2 bananas
• 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
• 3 handfuls spinach
• 3 cups ice

Blend until smooth. This would be a fun way to start Halloween Day!!

I hope you find this list helpful and you start your own healthier holiday tradition.