Halloween is a favorite holiday for most children, but it can easily turn into sugar overload on a day that’s filled with parties and trick or treating. There is no reason to completely restrict fun foods. They’re fine on special occasions and holidays. You can make some healthy substitutions though, which will help limit your child’s sugar intake and provide some healthier treats for snacking, using the following simple tips:

Healthy Substitutions for Halloween Party Food

1. Rice Krispy Treats are a classic and they have a lot less sugar than you’d expect when you make them with brown rice, which won’t spike blood sugar as quickly as refined sugars.
2. Substitute frosting on cupcakes with flavored cream cheese, like chocolate, honey nut or strawberry. Allowing the cream cheese to briefly warm up to room temperature will make it easier to spread.
3. Remember that applesauce can replace vegetable oil in any recipe in equal amounts. This will cut down on the fat content of classroom treats while still keeping them moist.
4. Offer popcorn balls as a real food option, making them with simple and natural ingredients yourself.
5. Get the kids involved in making healthy Halloween treats. Whether it’s chocolate covered pretzel sticks or Jello cut into fun Halloween shapes with cookie cutters, getting kids involved in the process means less time spent eating and more time spent on fun!

Want some healthier options for Trick or Treating? Try these ideas from www.momtastic.com

Check out these tips for kids with food allergies.