10/06/2021
According to the National Retail Federation, consumer spending on Halloween-related items is expected to reach an all-time high of $10.14 billion this year — up from $8.05 billion in 2020. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, you may think about ways to make your Halloween celebrations both fun and healthy.
Here is a quick checklist from Alexandra Nichols, a Nuvance Health bariatric registered dietitian, the American Heart Society and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to ensure your seasonal treats and toys deliver a healthy dose of fun kids and adults can each enjoy!
Healthy Treat Alternatives
- Individual 100 percent fruit cups – in water or its own juice
- Popcorn
- Whole wheat pretzels
- Graham crackers
- 100 percent real fruit strips
Candy/Food Alternatives
- Jelly bracelets
- Fake teeth or wax fangs
- Jump ropes
- Stickers and stamps
- Bubbles
- Temporary tattoos
- Erasers, coloring pencils and crayons
- Plastic spider rings
- Small Halloween-themed notebooks
- Noise makers and whistles
- Glow Sticks
- Bouncy balls
- Slime, putty or squishy toys
Seasonal Activities
- Scavenger or treasure hunts
- Walk through a corn maze
- Pumpkin carving or painting contest
- Visit an apple orchard or pumpkin field
- Dance
- Relay races
- Host a haunted house
Alexandra Nichols is a bariatric registered dietitian at Putnam Hospital Center in Carmel, NY, and Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, NY. Learn more about Nuvance Health’s bariatric and metabolic weight-loss programs here.