Halloween is approaching and with it, an avalanche of sweets that can worry any parent. Between school parties, meetings with friends and the traditional trick or treat, Children can consume alarming amounts of sugar in just a few days. However, experts say that It is possible to find the perfect balance between fun and health.
Dr. Dyan Hes, Pediatrician and Childhood Obesity Specialist, Medical Director by Highline Modern Medicine in New York, shares practical strategies for families to enjoy this holiday without falling into excess.
The Halloween Sugar Challenge
The numbers are shocking: American households buy approximately 338 million kilos of candy each Halloween. This is equivalent to the weight of 225 cars in pure candy, or if we visualize it in a more festive way, 62 million pumpkins.
For many children and adults, Halloween represents one of the most anticipated times of the year. Creative costumes, themed parties, and bags full of goodies create unforgettable memories. But for parents, this celebration can quickly become in a concern for cavities, hyperactivity and unhealthy eating habits.
“Halloween only happens once a year,” explains Dr. Hes, recognized by New York Magazine as one of the city’s best doctors in 2022, “but that doesn’t mean it should become a week of excess.”
Planning: the key to success
According to the expert, the secret is in the preparation. It’s not about cutting out sweets completely or ruining the fun, but rather setting clear, healthy boundaries from the start.
“Plan the days when you will have more sweets, like school holidays,” recommends Hes. “That day try to compensate with healthier meals: proteins, vegetables and fruits. Also You have to take care of the drinks. Avoid sodas and juices, because children will already be getting enough sugar from the rest. “It is best to just drink water.”
Early communication with children is essential. Talking to them before candy season begins helps set realistic expectations and avoids conflicts later.
The jar system: an effective strategy
One of the most practical techniques that Dr. Hes proposes It is the jar method. After Halloween night, when the children return home with their bags full, it is time to implement this strategy.
“On Halloween, put all the loot in a jar or container, and let them choose some favorite treats for that day. The rest can be saved and distributed little by little,” suggests the specialist.
This approach allows children to enjoy their favorite sweets immediately, satisfying the excitement of the moment, while rationing the rest for subsequent weeks. Parents can include a sweet in the lunch box during the week or allow a small portion after dinner.
Healthy alternatives with a festive spirit
If you’re hosting a Halloween party at home, Dr. Hes recommends balancing your options. It is not about eliminating sweets completely, but about offer nutritious alternatives that also align with the theme.
Orange tangerines, baby carrots, sugar snap peas, and cheddar cheese cubes fit perfectly with the Halloween color palette. These healthy options help balance the abundance of processed foods typical of the season.
Healthier snacks like crackers, pretzels, and seasonal fruits can also replace some of the traditional treats without kids feeling like they’re missing out on the fun.
What to do with excess sweets?
Inevitably, many families end up with seemingly endless mountains of candy. Fortunately, there are creative options to manage this surplus without it sitting around tempting kids for months.
“Many dental offices accept candy donations,” Hes explains. “Some organizations send them to American troops overseas, or parents just take them to the office to keep them away from home.”
Donating candy not only solves the problem of excess, but also teaches children important values about generosity and sharing with others.
Balance without being the villain
Dr. Hes’ philosophy focuses on finding a sensible middle ground. Parents don’t need to become the villains of the story by banning everything fun, but they also shouldn’t allow uncontrolled consumption for days.
The key is to maintain a solid foundation of good eating habits throughout the year. When children eat a balanced diet most of the time, enjoying sweets during special occasions is not a serious problem.
Halloween can be an opportunity to teach children about moderation, healthy decision-making, and self-control—valuable lessons that will carry them far beyond the holiday.
With a little planning, clear communication, and creativity, families can fully enjoy Halloween while taking care of the health of their little ones. After all, the best memories of this holiday are not in the amount of candy consumed, but in the fun shared.
Keep reading:
* Halloween 2025: 13 key tips from NHTSA to stay safe on the streets and at parties
* The 10 safest cities for trick-or-treating on Halloween 2025
* The best time to trick-or-treat on Halloween 2025 in the US.
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