Photo Credit: Houston Methodist WillowbrookHealth
No Tricks, Just Treats: Houston Methodist Dietician Shares Sweet Tips for Halloween
Halloween is that magical time of year when costumes come out, excitement fills the air, and candy seems to overflow from every corner. While kids may collect pounds of sweets during their trick-or-treat adventures, much of it often goes uneaten – or disappears a little too quickly. But what if Halloween could still be fun, festive, and full of treats, while also offering better-for-you options? That’s how Houston Methodist Willowbrook Registered Dietician, Kristen Wright, approaches the holiday.
Rather than loading trick-or-treaters up with handfuls of candy, Wright enjoys putting a healthier and creative spin on her handouts by preparing personalized treat bags. Each goodie bag includes a small package of pretzels, one or two pieces of candy, and a fun non-food item — like temporary tattoos, erasers, pencils, mini activity books, stickers or small toys.
Wright says: “These baggies can be fun and interchangeable options, and it’s a great way to avoid candy overload and add a little variety to the mix. So, this Halloween, don’t be afraid to mix in some fun, healthier alternatives to your candy bowl. It’s a small shift that can make a big impact and still keep the spooky spirit alive!”
Some other fun options Wright suggests to swap in include:
- “Cuties” (mandarin oranges) decorated with silly faces using edible markers, which adds a playful twist to a healthy snack.
- Applesauce pouches, which you can dress up like mummies with a bit of gauze and googly eyes for a fun Halloween flare.
- Fruit snacks
- Popcorn
- Pop chips
Source: Houston Methodist Willowbrook
