25 Oct 6 Tips for a Healthy Halloween Party
Halloween will be here before you know it. And that means candy, galore! As you are probably aware, sugar is one of the most harmful foods we can eat. It isn’t just bad for your teeth, it’s also bad for your body. Not only can sugar cause cavities, inflammation, weight gain and acne, but it can also increase your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver, and depression.
We know it’s hard to avoid candy altogether, and we want you and your kids to enjoy the holiday. So at Hicks Dental Group in Prescott, AZ, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to give you some tips for hosting a healthy Halloween party for your family and friends.
1. Serve spooky snacks.
Serve healthy snacks that your kids will get a kick out of. There are lots of creative ideas on the internet like banana ghosts, apple monster mouths, carrot witch fingers, and candy corn parfaits!
2. Play with your food.
This is one occasion you can actually encourage your kids to play with their food! Incorporate healthy foods into party activities, such as decorating oranges like Jack-O-Lanterns or bobbing for apples.
3. Keep them moving.
Make sure the kiddos are getting exercise by including lots of physical activities, like a zombie dance party, three-legged monster race, spider crawl, or pumpkin toss.
4. Think before you drink.
Cutting back on sugar includes soda and sugar-sweetened beverages. Make a Halloween-themed punch from sparkling water and a splash of 100% orange juice, with orange slices and blackberries. Or try this creepy Halloween punch served in mummy glasses!
5. Fill up on healthier snacks.
- Clementines, blood oranges, or oranges decorated like Jack-O-Lanterns (with non-toxic ink)
- 100% juice boxes
- Snack-sized packages of pretzels, popcorn, graham crackers, dried fruit or vegetables, trail mix, nuts, or pumpkin seeds
- 100% real fruit strips
- Squeezable yogurt tubes
- Sugar-free gum
6. Offer alternative “treats.”
Here are some non-edible treat ideas for party favors or game prizes:
- Glow sticks or small glow-in-the-dark toys
- Bouncy balls
- Crayons and Halloween-themed coloring books
- Spooky stickers, stamps, or temporary tattoos
- Bubbles
- Spider rings or vampire teeth
- Slime, putty or squishy toys
Just be sure to avoid choking hazards if there are small kiddos at the party!
Happy Halloween from Hicks Dental Group!
Keep in mind, following these healthy Halloween tips and reducing sugar intake is just part of keeping your family’s teeth healthy. If you want to ensure their teeth remain healthy and decay-free, be sure to practice good oral hygiene as well. This includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily, as well as visiting Hicks Dental Group in Prescott twice a year for cleanings. Be sure to give us a call if you or your children are due for a cleaning. Have no fear—Halloween can be fun and healthy!
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay