Parading around the neighborhood collecting bags full of sweets is fun for everyone, but how do we enjoy the holiday without sabotaging our health? With costumes and candy right around the corner, Sara Bennett, Parkview Clinical Dietitian, shares some healthy habits to put into practice after trick-or-treating this Halloween. 

Know what's in your treat.

Most fun size chocolate candy bars have between 60 and 100 calories. If you have four fun size candy bars per day for the week after Halloween, you could gain one extra pound! The fun size treats are also full of sugars, carbohydrates and fats, so take that into consideration as you're choosing your snacks. Working off the candy may not be as simple as you think. For example, in order to work off the average fun size candy bar, you'd have to complete one of the following: bike for 23 minutes, jump rope for 9 minutes, run stairs for 6 minutes, walk stairs for 11 minutes, or train on the elliptical for 8 minutes.

Have a plan for your candy.

Rationing candy is a great way to make sure you don't go overboard in the days and weeks following the holiday. Don't forbid yourself from snacking on sweets, but try to limit your intake to one or two pieces per week. Don't worry about candy going bad, it has a long shelf life. Were some houses feeling extra spirited and giving out regular size candy bars? Stick them in the freezer and cut them into smaller pieces!

Pass on healthy habits.

Practice what you preach! If you expect your kids to eat their candy in moderation, set the example. You can also try passing out healthy snacks or non-snack items to other trick or treaters. Animal crackers and graham crackers are healthier choices, or stickers, small toys (like spooky spider rings), crayons and bouncy balls are always a hit with the little ghouls walking around the neighborhood.