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Costumes Over Candy: Halloween and Diabetes

Oct 16, 2018

It can be easy to feel like you’re missing out on the sugar high if you have diabetes, especially on Halloween. But Halloween isn’t just about gorging on goodies; there are lots of other ways to have “frightful” fun without going candy crazy!

Halloween CandyToo much sugar isn't good for anyone, save some treats for school lunches and snacks
 

Curb the Candy Craving!

If you have diabetes, or even if you just want to stay healthy you might get “spooked” about sugar this Halloween, but there are lots of ways to still enjoy this haunted holiday without being chock-a-block full of chocolate. Don’t miss out, instead show your friends this year that there’s more to trick-or-treating than candy-eating with these tips!

  • Tricks, not treats.This year, set an example in your neighborhood by asking your parents to give out “tricks” like dollar store toys, funny sunglasses and yoyos!
  • Spooky supper. Make sure you eat full dinner before heading out with friends door-to-door, this will stop you from eating too much candy all at once, and feeling sick if you do!
  • Visit a Haunted House. Trick-or-treating isn’t the only Halloween activity, lots of cities and neighborhoods set up haunted houses which can be way more fun with friends that just eating candy.
  • Save some for later. Eating your treats all at once means that they’re gone all at once, you’ll enjoy them more if you save some for when you’re really craving sweet treats, or you’re at school and really need a snack during low blood sugar moments. If you are diabetic, it’s good to keep in mind that each Halloween candy is between 8-15 grams of carbohydrates.

Haunted HouseMany neighborhoods set up haunted houses at Halloween, it's a good way to have some ghostly giggles with your friends
 
  • Costume Crazy. Get creative with your costume this year instead of focusing on candy, and see if you can get your friends to do the same so you can scare each other at school.
  • Pumpkin Patch it! Instead of heading straight out the door, why not ask your parents to take you to a pumpkin patch and learn to carve your own design in a Jack O' Lantern. Carving out the insides can be goopy fun, but remember, candy’s not the only treat you can have this holiday, save those pumpkin seeds for roasting. They can be a delicious homemade salty snack to offset all the sugar.
  • Have a Party. Why go door-to-door when you can be the haunted host! Halloween parties are a great way to get your friends into making costumes, showing off your spooky skills and playing some ghoulish games!

Pumpkin PatchWhy not go and hand pick your pumpkin this Halloween, then learn to make your own Jack O'Lantern
 

Have Your Say

What are you planning to do this Halloween? Let us know in the comments section below!