DOVER, DELAWARE (10/28/2015) State officials are urging Delawareans to have a healthy Halloween.
Serving healthy treats instead of calorie-laden candy for the holiday can help prevent weight-gain and tooth decay, according to the Delaware Division of Public health.
Officials suggested these options:
• Mini boxes of raisins
• Mini bags of fresh fruit and vegetables such as apples, grapes, carrots, or celery
• Mini bags of dried fruit or vegetable “chips”
• Squeeze fruit, fruit chews, or fruit rolls
• Mini bags of trail mix made with whole grain cereals
• Peanut butter or apple sauce in single-serve containers
• Individually packaged granola, cereal, soy, yogurt, and fig bars
• Mini bags of pretzels, animal crackers, mini rice cereal or granola bars, or whole grain cheddar cheese crackers
• Small bottles of water and sugar-free hot chocolate packets
If candy is served, choose bite-size candy bars that are lower in fat and sugar.
Other options
Health officials say non-food treats are increasingly popular at Halloween:
• Pencils, erasers, crayons, and coloring books
• Stickers and tattoos
• Glow sticks and glow bracelets
• Play-Doh containers, play foam, and bottles of bubbles
• Toothbrushes and tiny containers of hand sanitizer
• Coupons to a local yogurt store or a roller-skating rink.
“Halloween is a special time for treats and fun,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, Division of Public Health director. “And, there are many fun and healthier alternatives to candy and sugary soda. Offering healthier treats and non-food items is good for your little ghosts and goblins, and adults, too.”