Orlando Health dietitian shares tips to manage Halloween candy hauls

Halloween can leave families with enough candy to last for weeks. An Orlando Health dietitian says a little planning can help children enjoy their treats while keeping balanced meals part of their routine.“Halloween is meant to be fun, and candy can absolutely be part of the celebration,” said Marsha Woolery, a registered dietitian at Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital. “The key is teaching moderation and helping children develop a healthy relationship with treats rather than making them feel forbidden.”The American Heart Association recommends that children ages 2 through 18 consume no more than 25 grams, or about six teaspoons, of added sugar daily.Woolery offered four strategies for handling the Halloween haul.Serve candy with mealsWoolery suggests offering candy as dessert rather than letting it become a snack eaten throughout the day.“Think of Halloween candy as dessert, not as a snack that’s eaten all day long,” she said.Pairing treats with foods such as cheese or Greek yogu