We always chocked it up to too much candy; little did I know that it was the candy, gluten, and dairy that was messing with my stomach. After a while, I would dress up, go trick or treating and then donate the treats because I wasn’t about to get tricked into feeling horrible for days afterward.

After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease, I experienced first hand the importance of staying away from the foods that made me sick. This is also true for anyone living with a food allergy or intolerance. That’s why I want you to know about the Teal Pumpkin Project. If you know about it, great! If not, here’s the scoop:

The Food Allergy Research and Education Organization (FARE) is raising awareness of food allergies and promoting inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season. How cool is that?

Participating is simple. All you have to do is the following:
-Paint or purchase a teal pumpkin
-Put your teal pumpkin on your doorstep:This means that you have non-food treats and it promotes inclusion for trick-or-treaters with food allergies or other conditions.
-Provide non-food treats for trick-or-treaters
-Display a free printable sign or premium poster from FARE to explain the meaning of your teal pumpkin

For all things Teal Pumpkin, visit the Food Allergy website.

Whether you’re giving out candy this year or opting for non-food fun, I’m here to provide a few tips and some guidance on your way.

5 F.A.B. Tips for a Healthy Halloween:

1. (Food) Make an upfront candy plan (and stick to it).
I remember dumping all my candy on the floor and just sitting in gobs of it. It was awesome. My parents would ask me to sort it into my favorites and least favorites. I then was able to have one piece a day. Before you or your kids go out for trick or treating, have a plan. Maybe you decide to enjoy 3-5 pieces on Halloween night and one piece a day. Decide up-front what your plan is and stick to it. We all like to enjoy a few sweets here and there.

2. (Attitude) Be conscious
Food intolerances and allergies are on the rise these days and not every kid can enjoy the same kind of treats. Be prepared and offer your typical treats and maybe have a few alternatives. See below for fun ideas.

3. (FAB) Offer Alternatives
Kids love non-food treats! Glowsticks, spooky rings, bracelets, bouncy balls, necklaces, stickers or tattoos are great alternatives to candy. You could also offer seasonal food like apples, raisins or gluten-free pretzels. You’ll be doing an amazing favor for the kids, parents will appreciate you, and you’ll feel good that you made someone else’s day.

4. (Food) Make Gatherings About Real Food vs. Treats
Enjoy your friends and family, but make it about real food and not the treats. Have a Fall themed festive dinner potluck where your guests create an appetizer, entree, drink or dessert with in-season produce. Opt for someone to make a Festive Fall salad with roasted nuts or pumpkin seeds, or my favorite Savory Butternut Squash soup.

5. (Body) Give the Guilt to The Goblins
Don’t let the guilt overcome you. Give it to the goblins so you don’t turn into one. Enjoy one or two pieces of your favorite candy or if you can’t have it, opt for an alternative below.

And if you are looking for alternative candy to enjoy or give out this year, here are my top 6 Alternative Sweets, all gluten-free. YAY!

My Favorite Halloween Candies:

Now, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

What are your favorite tricks and treats for Halloween?

Xx,
Elyse
To your FAB health & happiness,