SAN DIEGO, Sept. 30, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Reflecting concerns about America's burgeoning childhood obesity crisis, more parents are looking for tips on how to help children enjoy Halloween without overindulging.
Healthyroads, Inc., the wellness subsidiary of leading personal health improvement company American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH), offers the following tips for parents:
1. Set a good example by giving out healthy treats or treat
alternatives to the neighborhood kids. Healthy treats might
include:
-- Nuts and seeds, such as unsalted almonds, sunflower seeds, or
pumpkin seeds
-- Sugar-free hard candies or sticks of sugar-free chewing gum
-- Pretzels
-- Sugar-free hot chocolate or apple cider packets
-- Cereal bars or fig cookies
-- Juice boxes
Treat alternatives could include:
-- Halloween costume enhancements such as funny glasses, stick-on
tattoos, or reflective safety stickers
-- Halloween party favors from a party store such as games and
toys, coloring tablets, stickers, crayons, pencils, erasers,
and costume jewelry
-- Coupons for the local yogurt store or juice bar
2. Feed your kids a good healthy meal before they go trick-or-treating
to limit their snacking while out and about.
3. Give kids collection bags that fit their size. For kids under the
age of five, a small bag makes more sense and will keep kids from
bringing home more treats then they could healthfully eat in a
30-day period. For older kids, a larger bag may be OK, but say no
to oversized bags such as pillow cases, shopping bags, or plastic
trash bags.
4. Set limits to keep kids from eating too many treats in a day.
Allow children two pieces of candy each day, then put the treat
stash out of their reach. That way they'll have to ask for it.
Some treats such as chocolate candy bars can be cut into smaller
pieces and frozen, providing bite-sized treats later in the year.
5. Pair treats with healthy snacks. Require your child to pair every
sweet treat with a healthy snack such as a miniature candy bar and
an apple. Make sure they eat the apple first. That way they are
less hungry for the treats, they get health benefits from the
fruit, and they learn healthier eating habits.
6. Arrange a buyout. Offer the child a nickel or dime for each candy
they will "sell" you. That way they can "earn" money to buy a toy
or game they want.
7. Make sure your family eats sensibly throughout the rest of the
year. This sets a good example that helps kids make wise decisions
any time they are tempted to overindulge with unhealthy food
choices.
Remember, Halloween can still be fun for kids without being a detriment to their health. It just takes a little extra effort and planning on your part. Your child's good health is worth it.
American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH) is the nation's premier personal health improvement organization providing clinical benefits, fitness programs, health coaching and incentives, and work-site wellness programs to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds nationwide. Based in San Diego, ASH has over 600 employees and covers more than 13.4 million members. For more information, visit ASH online at www.ASHCompanies.com or call 800-848-3555.