How to Make Halloween Healthy Any holiday centered around candy will never be a nutritionist’s dream. Think about how many calories and grams of sugar a trick-or-treater totes home, and your head might start to spin. That being said, encouraging your family to participate in a healthier Halloween doesn’t have to include secretly throwing away some of your child’s stash. A little candy in moderation never hurt anybody, so here are a few tricks to help you ensure that your children have a healthy candy intake this season. COUNT STEPS, NOT PIECES OF CANDY Any parent who’s relied on the phrase “I’ll time you” knows that children will do just about anything if they think it’s a game. Most kids make Halloween a contest based on who can get the most candy, but why not flip that competition on its head this year? Instead of counting pieces of candy, count the steps required to get them. Every smartphone includes a pedometer, so it’s very easy to track. You can even include some rewards for step milestones. DON’T ENCOURAGE A SUGAR FRENZY Once the candy has made it home, you have to decide the best way for it to be consumed. When left to their own devices, most kids will only stop
eating candy when their tummy starts to ache. It’s up to you to make sure that they eat their rewards over time rather than in a couple of marathon sessions. You may encounter some resistance at first, but your kids will be very happy when all of their friends have run out of sweets, but they still have some in reserve. OFFER A TRADE Garnishing your children’s candy is a dubious, unfair tactic, but that’s not true of asking them to trade you some. You can offer them a toy or other prize for every dozen or so pieces they are willing to part with. It allows them to earn something while limiting the junk food intake. Many dental offices also run candy buy-back programs that give the youngsters something in return for the candy they don’t want. As a bonus, this candy often goes to needy children or troops overseas.
SUCCESS STORIES
“After having surgery, I was unable to put pressure on my foot and do
everyday activities. PT helped my foot regain the strength it had lost. I owe a lot to the laser therapy I did during therapy. The laser healed the scar on the bottom of my foot, removed the numbness and sensitivity, and allowed me to bend my toe comfortably. I’m grateful that my surgeon recommended Professional Physical Therapy. The staff
Paleo Pumpkin Coconut Smoothie
is knowledgeable and friendly. They provided me with the guidance I needed to get back to everyday activities. In the event that I need physical therapy in the future, I will definitely be back.”
–Stacey Kaiser
Inspired by cookeatpaleo.com
Ingredients
“I came in for a very sore lower back that was not getting better with medication or a chiropractor. I was hoping my physical therapy would get me back on track in a limited amount of time, as I was moving out of state within six weeks of starting treatment. From Dr. Patt’s initial evaluation until my last session, I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. I would definitely recommend Professional Physical Therapy to anyone needing physical therapy services!” –Thomas Wagstaff
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1 frozen banana, sliced
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1 cup coconut milk
1 cup ice
1/4 cup organic pumpkin purée
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2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or substitute with cinnamon and ginger)
Directions 1. In a blender, combine all ingredients.
2. Blend on high or on smoothie setting until smooth.
3. Transfer to a cold glass, garnish with pumpkin pie spice, and serve
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