Halloween Survival Guide
Halloween Survival Guide
Before you mindlessly munch on your children's Halloween candy beware of the calories that can set back your healthy efforts. While a piece or two won't do damage, the calories add up fast and a few days of nibbling will surely tip your scales. Here are the calories in some common Halloween treats. Keep in mind it takes about 25 minutes of brisk walking to burn off 100 calories.
The following calories are for 1 "fun size" candy bar unless otherwise noted.
Milky Way: 90 Mounds: 80 3 Musketeer's: 63 Butterfinger: 100 Snickers: 80 Kit Kat: 73 Skittles: 80 Baby Ruth: 85 Almond Joy: 90 11 pieces Candy Corn: 70 1 roll of Smarties: 25 1 Blow Pop: 60 1 Reece's Cup: 80 M&M's: 90 Twix: 90 Twizzlers: 45 Sweet Tarts: 50
Be sure to monitor your children's consumption as well. One or two pieces a day for a few days is fine but they shouldn't be eating more than that. Our nations kids are in big trouble when it comes to nutrition so we need to be good educators and role models for them. Here are some tips to help you create a more portion controlled Halloween for you and your children.
1.Try to limit the houses they trick-or-treat at, and choose a small treat bag.
2. Focus on the other fun aspects of this season (apple picking, carving and painting pumpkins, fall crafts, roasting pumpkin seeds, taking fall walks and gathering leaves, raking leaves)
3. Buy pieces of candy from your child and simply throw it away. Your child can save money for something special. Candy also freezes great (and then it will be forgotten so you can toss).
4. Have your child donate some of their candy to soldiers overseas. There are many programs out there that are doing this.
5. Plan your candy treats to fit in your daily calorie limits. Extra calories = extra pounds.
6. Eat healthy meals and snacks throughout the day so you won't be tempted to eat candy.