Why do kids love Halloween so much? Sure, they get to dress up in fun costumes and parade around the neighborhood. But more importantly, they get candy: Sugar inducing, hyperactive, maniac producing candy!

Why do parents love Halloween? Be honest, folks! It's so we can sneak in a few bites (or 10) of their yummy candy. Oh, and because its a great photo op of your kids....but mostly the candy! It's a great excuse to get bags of candy! How many of you have ever bought your Halloween candy....then had to buy more for the trick or treaters because you ate too much before Halloween? Or...how many of you have bought candy you specifically didn't like, but ended up eating some anyway? I know I've been there!

The truth is, kids don't need that much candy at all (if any) to make it a special day! I had the girls in my group come up with ways to avoid eating any Halloween candy. They came up with great ways to do this effectively while encouraging their children to do the same and (in some cases...learn a lesson)!

* Instead of passing out candy (and to eliminate the pre-Halloween eating)...pass out small toys. These can be found at wholesale prices cheaper than candy. The kids will enjoy them for longer as well! Think bouncy balls, stickers, tattoos, small army men, keychains, etc...

* Before your child comes home with pound after pound of Halloween candy...have a plan and discuss it with your child. For instance, make little goody bags and donate them to the local children's hospital or donate your candy to the troops overseas. There is always someone out there that could use candy more than you! This can be a WONDERFUL learning opportunity for your child.

* My kids would severely protest me taking ALL their Halloween candy. So, I tell my kids they can pick out 5 pieces of candy. They may have one piece on Halloween night and then one piece in their lunch box at school for 4 days. That way, I know it's spread out over several days. I try to avoid sugar monster children if at all possible!

* Lastly, review your plan with your children and stick to it and make it fun!!!  Get that candy out of your house as quick as possible. If you are on the path to losing weight or maintaining....too much candy really will make your behind swell. Ain't nobody got time for that!

Happy Halloween from Coach Stacie and everyone at the Grace and Strength Program!!

---

* Individual results may vary.