Halloween Candy

It's that chilly and spooky time of year again!! Halloween! For most of us this is a fun time of year filled with parties, dress up and treats.
It can also be a stressful time for those of us with kids on special diets. How do we allow our kids to have a carefree Halloween experience, and keep them safe at the same time?
Firstly, too much sugar for any kid is a bad idea, let alone for children with various brain development issues. Then there are the allergies to contend with.


Here are my ideas on a fun time Halloween without deprivation for any child!


1. Set the ground rules. If your child is old enough, or cognitive enough to understand, explain what foods they are, and are not, allowed to eat. Explain that any candy or treats must be examined by Mom, Dad or teacher first.
If they are not able to make these distinctions themselves then make sure you, or any adult involved in the moment, examines the candy before giving it to your child.


2. Take control. If your child is attending a party where there will be home made foods, as well as packaged candy, then it is important to check the food out yourself. Make a plate up for your child that he is allowed to eat from. Offer to make treats for the party that are safe for every one to enjoy.


3. Get others involved. By this point all child care workers, teachers, friends and family should be aware of your child's diet restrictions. Make a list of safe candy for day care, school, grandparents and others who may be involved in the Halloween experience. And always provide safe alternatives for your child to enjoy.


4. Enjoy the Trick or Treat! It is a lot to ask a small child to not eat candy when they are being handed scads of it at every door! Bring a special treat along for your child to enjoy while trick or treating, so they are not tempted to dip into the pillow case for a fix.


5. Don't trick or treat on an empty stomach. Make sure your child has eaten a healthy, warm meal before hitting the streets. This will lessen the temptation to raid the sack!


6. Place more emphasis on the fun of Halloween, rather then the food. Build up the excitement of dressing up. Get dressed up yourself! Carve pumpkins, hang up spiders and webs, get together with friends and family for a fun time!


7. Do a swap. When your child comes home with their monstrous sack of goodies, go through it with them. Pick out the bad ones and replace them with your own stash of your child's favourite safe candy. Or if you can get your child to agree with it, trade in candy for small toys or money to spend on a bigger toy. 


8. Be prepared. Give yourself time to read labels while shopping for candy. Purchase candy to have on hand for day care and school events, so your child does not miss out.


Remember you are not the only family restricted by food. There are so many kids allergic to nuts, eggs, soy, gluten, milk and other foods. They all have to go through the same process to keep their kids safe. Find a friend going through the same thing and make a plan together.


There are numerous lists of safe candy on sites all over the web. I have yet to find one that is specific to Canada, and or to a GFCF diet. Your best bet is to take some time and read all labels. Some tricky candies are Smarties. Smarties seem like they should be GF but they are not. 


Some GF candy that I know is GF are:
M&Ms, except Crispy M&Ms
Maynard's Gummies
Hersey's chocolate
Aero
Cadbury's chocolate


Here is a recipe I took from Clean Eating Magazine for Cocoa Coconut fudge, that I modified slightly. This is an easy, no bake, gluten free, dairy free and sugar free (optional) treat! My kids love it and I am addicted to it!


Cocoa Coconut Fudge


1/2 cup coconut butter
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup or 1/4 cup and 1 tblsp agave nectar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup cocoa powder


Soften the coconut butter so it is easier to work with. Mix the syrup or honey in to it, along with the vanilla. Sift the cocoa to remove any lumps and stir into the mix. Pour into an 8x8 pan. You can now decorate the top with anything you want. Nuts, candy, sprinkles. Put into the fridge to set, about 20min. 
Makes 16 servings. Must be refrigerated to avoid a messy melted blob.


You can buy coconut butter at Choices, Famous Foods or WholeFoods, along with Agave nectar. These are expensive ingredients but well worth the cost!


Happy Halloween!!