Healthier Halloween Treats

Obesity is on the rise in the United States both in adults, and children. Holidays like Halloween do play a part in the over-consumption of non-nutritional sweets and candy items. This year, why not try handing out healthier Halloween treats to your neighborhood trick or treaters?

Raisins are a nutritious and naturally sweet snack. Sun Maid Raisins have recently been awarded the Healthy Food Award by Fitness Magazine, and single serving boxes can be purchased in bulk at either Sam's Club or Costco stores. See www.sunmaid.com for more nutrition information, as well as healthy Halloween recipes using raisins.

Fruits are an essential part of a healthy diet for any age. Instead of handing out expensive chocolate bars, try giving out apples and oranges instead. You may get a few strange looks, but remember that you are doing your part to combat childhood obesity.

Cereal Bars provide a tasty alternative to traditional candy bars. They can be loaded with essential nutrients and are relatively inexpensive. Special K's line of Cereal Bars includes blueberry, strawberry, chocolate varieties, and vanilla. The best part is that these nutritious snacks can be found at your local grocery store. See www.specialk.com for more information and special offers.

Funky Monkey Fruit Snacks are touted as "Fruit That Crunches" and provides three servings of fruit in every portion. You can order these healthy and tasty treats only from www.funkymonkey.com or get them at your local Kroger or Albertsons.

Fruit cups are another Healthy Halloween Handout. This may be a little more expensive than other options, but if you buy them in bulk at your local Sam's Club or Costco, you can cut your out of pocket expense drastically. If you think about the rising cost of candy bars and traditional Halloween treats, the cost of these healthy fruit cups may not seem so bad.

The final, (and perhaps my favorite), healthy Halloween treat is not designed for consumption at all. Giving out small toys or games can inspire activity without the sugar rush. www.orientaltradingcompany.com is my go-to source for inexpensive amusements in bulk like individual coloring books, children's jewelry, crayons, yo-yo's, hand-held games...you name it, they have it.

Remember that you cannot eliminate childhood obesity on your own. It may be a good idea to talk to other parents in the neighborhood about giving out healthier Halloween treats.

www.sunmaid.com
www.specialk.com
www.webmd.com