Halloween Solutions: The Switch Witch

Fall is, always has been and probably always will be my favorite time of year.  From a young age I have absolutely loved the weeks from mid September to late November.  The air is turning crisp, but not yet cold, the leaves are changing and the feel in the air just takes on one of transition and excitement.  Not to mention, of course, that within these weeks are contained two of the most noted glutinous holidays of the year.  Naturally I am referring to Thanksgiving and Halloween. 

Now as a child the inherent risks and problems associated with Halloween never occurred to me.  I saw absolutely no problem treating myself to 15lbs of candy (all in one sitting if I found myself so inclined).  But now, however, I am an adult, a father and kind of a health nut, so this holiday (which I maintain as a favorite) raises a few practical concerns.

Is candy really all that bad for you?

As it is said: Moderation in all things.  However, although I like to think otherwise, the fact of the matter is: I HAVE NO SELF CONTROL.  There isn’t really a huge problem with the occasional piece of candy.  Especially around Halloween when everything is pleasantly “fun sized” and therefore a fraction of the calories.  Unfortunately, however, that same fact makes eating 3 or 4 pieces all the easier.

I was recently working, for several hours, within reaching distance of a large bowl of halloween candy.  Whereas, I was one of several participants, the four of us still polished off the bowl in a relatively short amount of time.  I did the calculations, the caloric intake was STAGGERING, not to mention the sugar and fat.

Trick-or-Treating?

Trick-or-Treating as far as I’m concerned, is mandatory.  Just because their father has lost his mind when it comes to food/health/nutrition, my children shouldn’t lose one of the greatest experiences of youth.

But, I can’t sit idly by and watch the mind numbing assault on their fragile bodies by pounds of sugar, oils and fat.  So there has to be some options.

The Switch Witch

I have dozens of thoughts on healthy snacks, great alternatives and guilt free indulgences.  Fact-of-the-matter is, though, trick or treating prevents control over what is received.  So now, your children (and you by extension) have a truck load of temptation just waiting to throw off the scale.  

The 

Switch Witch, is probably the best idea I’ve ever encountered for this problem.  The Switch Witch lives on the dark side of the moon and collects candy.  She is the envy of the witching community for her ever growing stash.  In an effort to stay on top, every year she puts the word out to children:  If on halloween night they will leave their bags of candy next to their bedroom door, she will happily trade them for a new toy.

The children then are  basically trick-or-treating for “toy currency”.  They, of course, still get to have several pieces that evening.  Maybe even too much!!! But, the next morning.... the rest is gone and they have a toy to help them forget.

Culture and tradition should never be forced out of our lives for diet reasons, but rather, incorporated into our diet.  Whether it be the “Switch Witch” or your own “candy currency program” finding a way to both enjoy EVERYTHING that is Halloween, whilst also disposing of thousands of harmful calories and sugars is an important compromise to negotiate.

About Kirk Westwood:

Having traveled the world since a young age, Kirk has always loved nature, culture and world religion . As a professional Entrepreneur, Filmmaker and Personal Trainer he is devoted to social responsibility, health, education and diversity respect.