Super-mom Robyn O’Brien is one of our favorite voices in the growing choir of concerned citizens who are speaking up about issues within our nation’s food supply. Especially where it effects our children’s health, Robyn has found that, from the board members of our nation’s biggest food conglomerates to the cart-wielding consumers in our own neighborhoods, we are all in a similar position: ready for change and searching for solutions. We’re happy to be a part of this discussion here at the Chalkboard.
While major food progress is no doubt on the horizon, in the meantime, the biggest junk food event of the year is upon us and we asked Robyn how her family survives the holiday in good health. As expected, Robyn had a few genius tricks and healthy treat ideas to share with us. Letter to the Great Pumpkin? We love this...
It’s almost Halloween, and the deluge is about to begin! So what can you do this year? You can make a difference in the health of your family. This isn’t about taking the candy out of Halloween but about taking the junk out of the candy! The opportunity is enormous, and given what we are seeing in the health of our little ones, the time is now. While we can’t make the perfect the enemy of the good, we can all do something – focusing on progress, not perfection.
Here are some suggestions that might just make Halloween a little bit sweeter with some wholesome goodness. You can just pick one thing, one swap, one candy bar to begin with. Or go all in! Here are a few ideas to get you started.
5 Healthy Halloween Tips From Robyn O’Brien
Engage your kids in a candy swap
For every few pieces of conventional candy that they collect, trade them in for a healthier treat – a cleaner candy bar that isn’t loaded with all of the junk, or a sticker, or a small toy.
Consider a letter to the Great Pumpkin
The Great Pumpkin has been known to bring little presents like a gift card or a book to children who leave their candy baskets outside the front door for him in the first week of November.
Get real with your fruit juice
Opt out of juice that contains high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors as a way to reduce your children’s exposure to potentially toxic chemicals. While the orange and green colors may be festive, go for the real fruit.
Choose a better trick-or-TREAT
The most popular Halloween candies are laden with sugars, hydrogenated oils, GMOs, artificial colors, and other harmful ingredients. Try a few of our family’s favorite alternatives instead:
UNREAL Candy, Tasty Brands, Yummi Earth, Heavenly Organics, Annie’s Gummies
, Newman’s Own Raisins
To take it to the next level, learn more about Robyn O’Brien and her organization Allergy Kids, plus read her eye-opening bookThe Unhealthy Truth: One Mother’s Shocking Investigation into the Dangers of America’s Food Supply– and What Every Family Can Do to Protect Itself
