Inspect treats before kids eat them

Halloween is here again and costumed children will be walking around your corner Wednesday evening, shouting "trick or treat" at your front door. What will you give them? Make it a healthy treat this year.

Four bite-size candy bars contain about 320 calories, 25 jelly beans have 140 calories, and 20 pieces of candy corn add tip to 100 calories. Empty calories are not good for any of us, so provide some treats that are lower in fat and sugar and provide some nutrients too. These treats offer a healthier alternative to candy: . Cereal bars . Trail mix . Snack packets of dried fruit or pretzels . Fig cookies . Graham crackers . Packets of peanut butter crackers . Snack pack pudding . Apple cider packets . Sugar-free gum

Fresh fruits are very nutritious treats but they are no longer a safe option. Remember that individually wrapped items are best.

An adult should inspect all Halloween treats before children eat them. Halloween is the perfect time to teach children moderation in eating. Help kids include their treats in a healthy eating plan, set limits on when and how much they can have, and stick to those limits. Let kids choose a few pieces of candy to eat on Halloween night and then eat a few pieces each day after that.

Children also enjoy non-food treats like the items given at birthday parties: glow sticks, plastic rings, funny glasses, miniature magnifying glasses, pencils, bookmarks, coloring tablets, markers, coins (pennies, nickels, dimes) and fake money.