How to plan a healthier Halloween: Our tricks to enjoying treats

What you’ll learn:   

• Moderation and mindful eating can help you enjoy candy and other Halloween treats without compromising your health goals.       
• Get creative with healthier Halloween snacks using fruits, veggies, and nuts to maintain a balance of fun and nutrition.       
• Involving the whole family and friends in healthier Halloween traditions can promote lasting memories and balanced eating habits.

Halloween is typically packed with tempting treats, but celebrating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your healthy diet for the fun. Instead of avoiding your favorite candies, embrace a balanced approach that lets you enjoy the flavors of the season without derailing your progress.

How? A little creativity can make all the difference. Whip up Halloween-themed snacks that mix treats with fruits and veggies, blending fun and nutrition. You can also shift the focus to activities like games or decorating, making Halloween about more than just the sweets. And don’t forget—trick-or-treating is a great excuse for a family walk!

At Noom, we believe in making room for enjoyment while keeping health in mind. This Halloween, let’s focus on savoring treats mindfully and finding the sweet spot between celebration and well-being. Curious how to balance indulgence with your health goals year-round? Check out Noom for more tips on mindful eating and lasting wellness.

A healthier way to eat Halloween candy

First, let’s talk candy. Halloween candy can absolutely be part of your day—if you approach them mindfully. Here are strategies to help you enjoy those spooky sweets while staying on track with your health goals.

One helpful approach is portion control—paying attention to serving sizes can make a big difference. By choosing smaller portions, you can satisfy your sweet tooth while managing how many calories and sugar you consume. This might mean enjoying one piece of candy at a time or selecting fun-sized versions of your favorites. For example, a regular-sized Snickers bar contains 250 calories and 28 grams of sugar, while a fun-sized Snickers has just 80 calories and 9 grams of sugar. Eat slowly and savor the moment, making sure to see how you feel when you’re done. Sometimes, a smaller amount of the thing you’re craving can be just as satisfying. 

Here’s a comparison of some common candies. If your favorite isn’t here, search for it in Noom’s food lookup tool. See how you can fit your favorite into your if Halloween just wouldn’t be the same without it.

Choosing your favorites and practicing moderation can help you savor the experience without feeling deprived.

Smart strategies for enjoying candy mindfully 

• Practice moderation: As you can see from the chart above, choosing a smaller or “fun-size” package of candy can save you a lot of calories. Focus on mindful portions that let you enjoy what you love while staying aligned with your health goals. Having one small piece of your favorite chocolate can be more sustainable than trying to completely avoid it, which might lead to overindulgence later. 
• Try the plate method: Instead of grabbing handfuls from the bottomless candy bowl, use a small plate to portion out your favorites. This visual cue makes it easier to track how much you’re eating and sets a natural stopping point.
• Engage your senses: Slow down and enjoy the textures and flavors of your sweet. Chewing slowly and savoring each bite can make a small treat feel more indulgent. For example, take note of the creamy texture of a Milky Way bar or the crunchy snap of a Kit Kat. By tuning into the sensory aspects, you’ll find that you need less to feel content, naturally limiting overconsumption.
• Mix it up with healthier pairings: Balance your sweet indulgence with something nutrient-dense, like pairing a fun-sized chocolate bar with apple slices or dipping strawberries in dark chocolate. This way, you’re not only satisfying your sweet tooth but also adding fiber and essential nutrients. 

Noom’s food color system can help here—pair “orange” treats like candy with “green” foods like fruits and veggies for a satisfying and balanced snack.

How to make Halloween treats healthier

Finding ways to keep Halloween fun while making nutritious choices can be easier than you think. Swapping out sugary candies for healthier options can allow you to enjoy the festive spirit without compromising your well-being. Here are some healthy Halloween snack ideas and alternatives to traditional treats that will keep both kids and adults satisfied.

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• Fruit-based treats: Decorate clementines like mini pumpkins or turn apple slices into “monster mouths” with nut butter and seeds. 
• Yogurt bites: Spoon dollops of plain Greek yogurt onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and top with chopped berries or nuts. Freeze until firm and serve as ghost-shaped yogurt bites. They offer a mix of protein and calcium, making them a nutritious addition to your Halloween menu.
• Popcorn mixes: Popcorn is naturally low in calories and high in fiber. It can be flavored in different ways. Try maple caramel popcorn, or indulge your chocolate cravings with this chocolate brown bag popcorn.
• Homemade dark chocolate treats: Melt dark chocolate and coat strawberries, bananas, or pretzels with it to create your own healthy treats.
• Veggie platter with a twist: Present your raw, cut vegetables in a creative way, like as a googly-eyed monster or a Jack-o-lantern. If you prefer your vegetables cooked, cut them into Halloween-themed shapes and roast them.

Ideas for non-food Halloween treats

Not all Halloween treats need to be edible. Incorporating non-food festivities and treats can help reduce the focus on sweets while still making trick-or-treating enjoyable:

• Stickers and temporary tattoos: Halloween-themed stickers and temporary tattoos are fun, easy-to-find alternatives to candy that kids love.
• Glow sticks and bracelets: Not only are they fun, but they also help keep kids visible when trick-or-treating at night, adding a safety element.
• Mini toys and puzzle books: Consider small toys like bouncy balls, spider rings, or mini puzzle books. These can provide entertainment long after the holiday and reduce the emphasis on sweets.

Planning ahead for healthier Halloween events

A little prep can go a long way in helping you enjoy Halloween festivities while maintaining a balanced approach to eating. Let’s look at some friendly strategies to make the most of the spooky season:

• Fuel up before you head out – Enjoy a satisfying meal with protein, fiber, veggies, and healthy fats to keep you feeling full. How about a cozy soup or a colorful chicken and veggie stir-fry? Use Noom’s recipe tool to find delicious ones that are high in protein or within your target calorie count.
• Pick your favorite treats ahead of time – Decide which Halloween goodies you’re most excited about and stick to your choices. This way, you can really enjoy them without feeling like you’re missing out. 
• Be the healthy dish hero – Bring a nutritious option to share at Halloween parties. You’ll also have something to eat if nothing else fits into your plan.
• Keep that water bottle handy – Sip water throughout the day and at events. 

Making trick-or-treating fun and balanced for the kids

Trick-or-treating is one of the most exciting parts of Halloween for children, but it doesn’t have to be just about candy. With a few simple strategies, you can ensure your kids have a fun experience while keeping a balanced approach to sweets:

1. Set expectations early: Before heading out, have a plan for what to do with Halloween candy so your kids know what to expect. Let them know they can choose a few of their favorites to eat right away after coming home and save the rest for later.
2. Incorporate a healthy dinner: Plan a nutritious family meal before trick or treating to keep everyone feeling satisfied. A protein-packed option like turkey chili or a veggie stir-fry can help curb sugar cravings and reduce the urge to snack on candy throughout the night.
3. Turn trick-or-treating into a fun walk: Choose a safe area and walk from house to house. Set a goal for the number of houses you want to visit and see if you can reach it. This adds an element of adventure while promoting movement.
4. Sort and share: Once trick-or-treating is over, go through the candy together. Let your kids pick out their favorites, and then discuss donating or sharing some of the extras (see more tips for this below!). This encourages mindful choices and the idea of giving, which can make the holiday even more meaningful.
5. Plan a post-trick-or-treating activity: Shift the focus away from candy by planning something fun to do afterward, like a Halloween movie night or spooky storytime. This keeps the excitement going without centering entirely on treats.

Setting the stage early and staying mindful throughout the evening can help your kids build healthier habits and enjoy Halloween without overindulging.

Managing leftover Halloween candy

Got a mountain of Halloween candy eyeing you? No sweat—you’ve got plenty of options. 

• Divide it up: For the treats you keep, try creating a candy-sorting system. Split your favorites into small portions. This way, you and your kids can savor them over time without feeling like you’re drowning in sweets.
• Plan when you’ll eat your candy: Plan when you’ll fit a treat into your regular eating routine. For example, you might save them for your mid-afternoon snack when your energy typically dips or as a small dessert after dinner. Pre-portion your favorites into small bags or containers for the week to prevent mindless grazing. 
• Donate it: Why not donate to a good cause? You’ll spread some joy and tackle your candy pile at the same time. Some of the more well-known organizations include Operation Shoebox, the Ronald McDonald House, and Treats for Troops, but there may also be local organizations you can donate to.

At Noom, we’re all about finding what works for you and your health goals—even when you’re face-to-face with a candy stash that could last until next Halloween!

Real results with a personalized weight loss program

Noom uses behavioral psychology to help change unhealthy habits one step at time. It does not use restrictive diets. No food is forbidden. Take our FREE 5-minute quiz and see how quickly you reach your goal weight.

Take the quiz!

Enjoy a happy, healthy Halloween

Halloween can be a blast without throwing your goals out the window. The secret? Balance. Planning ahead, getting creative with treats, and making it a family affair can help you enjoy all the fun while staying on track.

You don’t have to choose between your favorite sweets and nourishing options. Pair “candy with fruits or veggies to keep things balanced. Enjoy a candy bar, but eat carrots and hummus later to round it out, and be sure to track everything.

It’s about finding those small ways to make healthy choices feel natural. Want more tips to make the holidays healthier without losing the fun? Start your Noom journey today with just a click—fill out our questionnaire to see how Noom can support your wellness goals year-round!