Have you decided what to give out to trick-or-treaters? Today, the decision is more complicated for some due to concerns about food allergies and childhood obesity. Here's how eight nutritionists handle the holiday.
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https://www.instagram.com/p/BMGZcbdj9Bc/5. Mini Milk Chocolate Bars
“I give out mini milk chocolate bars. I enjoy celebrating the holiday with true treats (rather than something like raisins), but I like that milk chocolate has fewer additives and is less processed than most other candy. Plus, it’s what I enjoy eating myself! I will also be participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project and plan to have some fun stickers on hand for kids who can’t have chocolate.”
— Diana K. Rice, registered dietitian known as “The Baby Steps Dietitian”
[See: 6 Darn Good Reasons to Eat Sugar and Not Apologize for It.]
(AP Photo/Dan Goodman)
AP Photo/Dan Goodman
6. Individual Bags of Plain Popcorn
“Popcorn rarely triggers food allergies, has a long shelf life and is loved by most kids. It’s also high in fiber, low in sugar and much more exciting than giving out pretzels.”
— Melissa Rifkin, registered dietitian at Melissa Rifkin Nutrition
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
7. 100-Calorie Bags of Pistachios
“I don’t love having an excessive amount of candy in my house (my hubby will eat it all before I get a chance to offload it on the kids), so I will be giving out 100-calorie packs of pistachios. I love these myself because they’re packed with fiber, protein and good fats for growing kiddos (and parents if they sneak into their kid’s collection) and they help teach children some mindful eating strategies since each nut has to be opened and enjoyed slowly.”
— Abbey Sharp, registered dietitian and blogger at Abbey’s Kitchen
[See: 10 Healthful Snacks That Won’t Break the Calorie Bank.]
(Witaya_Ratanasirikulchai)
Witaya_Ratanasirikulchai
8. Kid’s Choice
“I offer options for the kids and let them choose! I always have mini peanut butter cups and mini candy bars (because I love the leftovers), but I also always have non-food items (such as bubbles, spider rings and glow sticks) for kiddos with food allergies or who would just rather have that than the candy.”
— Sherry Coleman Collins, registered dietitian nutritionist of Southern Fried Nutrition Services in metro Atlanta
(AP Photo, The Winchester Star, Jeff Taylor)
Today, the decision is more complicated for some due to concerns about food allergies and childhood obesity.
But even as a registered dietitian nutritionist, I still give out “treats” in the form of variety packs of mini chocolates (one per child) and plain chocolate for those with food allergies. Here’s how eight of my colleagues handle the holiday:
