Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

So it’s a week after Halloween, and you’re staring down a bowl of leftover candy as we gear up for the next wave of holiday festivities. Welcome to what I like to call the “silly season” when it comes to health, where good habits can be easily derailed by the excitement of holiday treats.

So, the question is: What do we do with that leftover candy? Do we indulge, throw it away, or maybe even pass it along?

The Halloween Aftermath: To Keep or Not to Keep the Candy?

Halloween brings a house full of candy that many of us bought to hand out to trick-or-treaters. Yet, here it is—leftover and tempting. Some might suggest bringing it to work or a community center, but isn't that just moving the problem to somewhere else?

The key is finding a balanced way to enjoy the season’s treats without mindlessly snacking on candy all the way to Thanksgiving. Here are some ideas for making your leftover candy work for you and not against your wellness goals.

Creative Alternatives to the Candy Dilemma

First off, if you're looking to cut back on candy entirely, you can switch up your Halloween offerings next year. One of my favorite Halloweens was when I swapped out candy for Halloween-themed stickers, pencils, and little trinkets. The kids actually loved it more than candy! The candy might get eaten in minutes, but a sticker or fun pencil sticks around. And if you have extra non-candy treats left over, donating them to local schools can be a win-win—they make great prizes for kids throughout the year!

For Candy Lovers: Finding Balance

If Halloween just isn’t the same for you without candy, that’s okay too! 

Here are a few tips to make the most of your treats without compromising your health goals:

• Plan to Balance: Before indulging in candy, have some clean protein and fats, like some chicken and avocado or a piece of salmon. This helps balance out your blood sugar, keeping it more stable.

• Mindful Snacking: Rather than mindlessly grabbing pieces throughout the day, plan specific times to enjoy a treat with your meals. That way, you’re indulging intentionally without overdoing it.

• Kid-Friendly Choices: Let kids choose between candy and non-candy treats. I tried this one year with a split basket, and to my surprise, many kids actually chose the non-candy treats because they were something different. This lets them start to take ownership of their choices while encouraging a more balanced approach.

Moving into Christmas: Healthier Habits for the Holidays

As we move into the holiday season, it’s worth taking a moment to rethink traditions that may not serve our health goals. There’s no need to get swept up in the sugar rush from Halloween through New Year’s—small adjustments can go a long way. This is a great time to incorporate more whole food treats, like winter fruits or a cozy, homemade trail mix with nuts and dried fruit. These choices can still bring in that festive feeling without a sugar overload.

It’s All About Finding What Works for You

The key here isn’t perfection but finding a sustainable way to enjoy the season without sacrificing your well-being. It's okay to start new traditions and think a little differently. After all, developing healthier habits is a gift we can give ourselves and our kids that will last far beyond the holiday season.

And as Dennis Morton says, “I make suggestions; you make decisions.” I hope these tips help you feel empowered to make choices that bring balance and joy to your holiday celebrations.