Halloween is just the kickoff to a season of sweet indulgences. Following are some tips to help keep you and your family on a healthy track.

If you don’t buy it, you won’t eat it!

Buy Halloween candy or treats that do not usually appeal to you. If you prefer chocolate, buy gummy or sugar based treats; if you like sugary sweets, purchase chocolate. You will be less inclined to overindulge if what you have in the house doesn’t tempt you.

Buy treats the day you plan to have them consumed / distributed.

If you are buying candy or goodies for a holiday or gathering, keep it in the house for as short a period of time and give away the leftovers.

Consider some alternatives.

Pretzels, crackers, granola bars, fruit leather, books, stickers, bouncing balls, toys and crayons are great alternatives to candy. Kids are usually thrilled to get something unusual.

Set the ground rules.

Come up with a philosophy for dealing with sweets and treats that everyone in the household agrees with. For example: ‘You can eat as much candy/dessert as you like today, and then we will donate the rest.’ Another popular choice is to ration candy or desserts for a period of time, ‘You can have one piece of pie or one cookie each day for a week.’ Make sure this philosophy goes equally for everyone in the house (parents too!).

Keep healthy eating and living as a priority.

Make sure you drink lots of water, exercise and consume fruits and vegetables every day. Decide what role tempting treats will have in your family, and do not substitute treats for healthy snacks.

Homemade is a best bet.

Choose holiday recipes that are low in fat and sugar and high in fruits and whole grains. Try reducing sugar and fat in recipes by replacing them with applesauce, apple juice concentrate or flax meal.

 www.nutritiouslife.com