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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mommybites.com\/newyork\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2013\/10\/Halloween-2-375x250.jpg\" "\\"Halloween")
<\/p>\nWhen I was growing up, the main thing we worried about at Halloween was a non-packaged item that might be given to us by \u201cfreaks.\u201dI do find it somewhat ironic that, of all things, we were warned about apples.Back then we weren\u2019t concerned about genetically modified or organic varieties of apples.<\/p>\n
No, then we were worried that the apple might have had a razor blade slipped inside.But these days, I do worry at Halloween.I worry about what\u2019s beneath the wrappers of these so-called candy treats.They\u2019re not quite as sweet as they might seem.
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For many kids Halloween is a night of binge eating on candies loaded with sugar, high fructose corn syrup and artificial dyes and preservatives. For most parents I know, Halloween is a nightmare\u2026 binge eating, gluttony, poor behavior, upset stomachs and more resulting from too much junk.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n So many parents don\u2019t want to be perceived as a \u201cDebbie Downer\u201d so they go along \u2013 telling themselves that it\u2019s just one night,\u00a0 <\/span>when in fact, the candy haul from Halloween can last well into the New Year. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I\u2019m here to report that you don\u2019t have to settle for candy packed with ingredients that are known to cause issues for kids. Say no to increased sugar cravings and behavioral troubles. For example, artificial dyes are used in this country (while illegal elsewhere in the world) and have been linked to allergies, hyperactivity and more, according to a study published in Lancet<\/a>.<\/p>\n It doesn\u2019t have to be this way. Parents, take heed.This year your candy cheat sheet<\/a> is here.\u00a0 <\/span>It\u2019s your survival guide for this Halloween.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re new to the revolution to \u201cgreen\u201d Halloween then you may want to start by simply buying a different candy or treat alternative.Start with something that\u2019s free of artificial dyes and preservatives,\u00a0 <\/span>go non-GMO, or select an organic item.\u00a0 <\/span>Maybe discard the candy altogether and look for a treat alternative<\/a> – something that isn\u2019t technically a candy and has more nutrients than most candy.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Consider hosting a Green Halloween party to keep the kids in.Don\u2019t sacrifice any of the fun but control the treats and give them better alternatives!<\/p>\n If your kids don\u2019t want to give up trick-or-treating altogether, then do a \u2018Switch Witch\u2019 or \u2018Candy Buy Back\u2019 where you trade them their regular treats for candy that you buy that\u2019s a healthier choice.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Be sure to provide a storage jar or box where they can see their candy and select an item a day, to be eaten after they\u2019ve eaten a well-balanced meal.\u00a0 <\/span>Use this to teach portion control and responsible eating habits as well as to monitor the amount of candy consumed. This helps you deal with excessive tendencies before they turn problematic.<\/p>\n From here on, the fun is all yours!\u00a0 <\/span>Enjoy Halloween, without any unnecessary frights!<\/p>\n Like what you read?<\/span> Sign up<\/a> for our free newsletter so you can be informed of the latest FREE <\/span>webinars & teleclasses,<\/a> parenting articles, & weekly raffles.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
\nDid you know that regular candy is loaded with ingredients that can compromise your child\u2019s immune system, destroy her concentration, cause hyperactivity and ADHD-like symptoms? Many other ingredients can cause gastro-intestinal issues and inflammation.<\/p>\n