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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   Related Stories • Fueled by sugar 10/9/08   CONTACT THE HERALD Melanie Munk, Features Editor munk@heraldnet.com   Published: Thursday, October 9, 2008 Try to avoid sugar overload this Halloween Associated Press Here are 10 tips parents can use to get a handle on Halloween so children feel neither deprived nor sick to their stomachs: Make a plan: Decide with children, before Halloween, on what is a reasonable amount of candy to eat that night, and beyond. Will the candy be packaged in small bags to make the holiday last longer, rationed to a piece or two a day, donated or thrown away? Eat dinner: Feed children dinner before trick or treating so they will not be ravenous and want to fill up on candy while going from house to house. Don't dally: Go out early, when candy-givers are less likely to encourage children to grab a handful of candy so they don't end up stuck with it. No forbidden zone: Do not ban candy or ditch it when the kids aren't looking; it may just make them want it more. Don't be a pig: Parents should be good role models by not eating all the candy themselves. Make an exception: Let children enjoy some sweets on the holiday while focusing on good nutrition the rest of the year. Push toys: Offer candy alternatives alone, or alongside candy, to give trick or treaters a choice. Emphasize the fun: Take some emphasis off candy by focusing on the fun of the holiday, like checking out the costumes and decorated houses. Get some exercise: Walk, don't drive, if possible, to get some physical activity in while candy collecting. Inspect candy: Suggest kids wait to eat candy until they get home, where parents can inspect the wrappers to ensure they're tightly sealed. Parents should consider throwing out everything else. Sources: Dr. Sarah Armstrong, Duke Children's Hospital pediatrician; American Dietetic Association Associated Press READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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