It's pretty obvious to us that the door-to-door strolls around your neighborhood aren't enough to burn up all those candy calories on Halloween. Here are a few ways to make everyone's favorite eerie evening into a happy, healthy and safe experience for you and your family, both at home and at work. 
1.) Embrace the mantra that "everything is good in moderation." If you have a sweet tooth, limit the quantity of candy that both you and your children can consume during an evening, and stay away from that shared candy bowl at the office.
2.) Walk a little further. Map out your trick-or-treating route -- you can even present it to your kids like a 'treasure map.' Take this opportunity to stretch your legs, stroll to a new area of your neighborhood, and experience being outdoors.
3.) Eat before you treat. Serve up a nutritious meal before the candy frenzy starts; your kids will be less likely to grab huge handfuls of sweets and devour them at home if they aren't hungry. Same goes for a day at the office -- have a nice breakfast before you get to work and see those orange-frosted brownies in the break room.
4.) Wash your hands. Upon arriving home, you and your kids should both wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Think of how many children grabbed at that same candy bowl!
5.) Offer an alternative to candy. A 2012 survey from the American Dental Association found that among children ages 5 to 13, two-thirds of kids said that they eat too much candy around Halloween, 89% say they would still like the holiday if it was less about candy and more about other types of fun, and fully 93% would prefer to receive a video game instead of candy while trick-or-treating. For kids, one tactic that works well is to "buy back" or trade any excess sweets; that is, they can earn a little extra money (or a video game or other item they have their eyes on) by selling or trading you their leftover candy. As for handing out candy, try party favors like temporary tattoos or false teeth, or healthier food options like pretzels, trail mix or popcorn.
6.) Get flu shots. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine. Getting vaccinated each year provides the best protection against influenza throughout flu season, and your children will be out and about, wandering and interacting with other kids.
7.) Stay safe. Bring a flash light when walking at night, only walk up to houses with the porch light
on, and inspect candy before allowing children to eat it.
8.) Shift the focus off of food. Have crafts or games ready for when you return from trick-or-treating, so your children's attention isn't just on the candy.
9.) Decorate! When you're spending a significant amount of time in one space, it's important that you have happy, positive associations with your environment. Spruce up your office at work and your home with festive decorations that will make you look forward to being there.
Trying to keep yourself in check? Try this handly little candy calorie counter to keep tabs on what you're eating this Halloween.
Do you have any additional tips for staying healthy during this spooky holiday? Share below! 
