Is it possible to do a sugar-free Halloween?

Avoid the sugar crash that turns your little angels into little monsters!

October 23 2018

Are you dreading Halloween because of the amount of sugar your kids will be eating?

Given that children between the ages of 2-18 years should be consuming no more than six teaspoons of added sugar per day, and popular Halloween lollies like Skittles and M&M's contain 30g of sugar per serve, ensuring your kids don’t binge on too much is the key to keeping the kids sane this Halloween.

Reducing sugar intake doesn’t have to mean less fun, you can cheat your way through the season with these five Halloween Hacks which include simple fool-proof swap outs. So yes, a sugar-free Halloween is possible!

Swap large bags for small

Your child’s capacity to receive treats  as the Trick Or Treat is really dependent on how much they can carry. Minimising space for lollies will prevent them from bringing excessive amounts home, but still feeling like they have a full bag of goodies to show friends and family.

Smaller bags can seem underwhelming, especially when compared to the variety of buckets and carry bags out here. Turn this swap into something interactive and personal by creating or decorating your own trick-or-treat bags that will instantly boost your child’s imagination in the celebration of all things spooky.

Swap an empty stomach for a full one!

Trick-or-treating in a deep state of hunger is a HUGE mistake. Be sure to enjoy a fulfilling and nutritious dinner before knocking on doors for dessert. If you can try and incorporate apple cider vinegar into your little one’s dinner as it’s scientifically proven as the key ingredient in dampening those sugar cravings.

Getty

Getty

Swap artificial for natural

Double D’s range of lollies are naturally coloured and flavoured, and most importantly, they’re made with natural stevia instead of sugar, making them perfect for dropping into the cauldrons of trick-or-treaters this Halloween.

If it’s sweet potions you’re after, Nexba’s range of sugar-free soft drinks and flavoured waters with nothing artificial, are the perfect replacement for all those sugary soft drink cravings. Flavoured with all-natural colours and flavours, and sweetened with stevia, not even your little magician will spot the switch! With flavours like cola, pineapple, and lemon these are always a hit.

Swap lollies for dollars

Unleash your child’s inner business mogul by bartering the sweets for pocket money. Not only will this motivate your child to trick-or-treat to their fullest, the prize at the end is far greater than a pile of chocolates. Buying back can also develop your child’s sense of responsibility and trade! If cash is not the preferred currency of trade, consider offering special events or activities instead such as a visit to the cinema or the local zoo.

Swap lollies for toys

If you’re looking to go that extra mile and stay away from sweet treats altogether, replacing candy with fun toys like glow sticks and bubble blowers that will ensure that your children won’t fly off the (broom) handle. Not only will this reduce the sugar composition in the trick-or-treat bags, it’s also a great source of variety!

 

Faye James is a regular contributor at New Idea, WHO and Practical Parenting and works across health, beauty, celebrity and royal content. She has over 20 years of experience spanning across the UK, Middle East and Australia.