Halloween diabetic treats? Halloween is either a diabetic’s dream or a nightmare! We use this one night a year to stock up on low supplies for the weeks (and sometimes months) to come, but what are some ways to keep the fun of a spooky evening adventure without ruining the entire night to follow? Here are some of our tricks to use and keep the fun going even with diabetes!
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Balancing Levels and Expectations
One of our favorite Halloween diabetic tricks is start on the right foot is by making sure that we eat a balanced meal before hitting the trick or treat circuit. If we are off to a party, then we make sure to take along a familiar food that works well for Milly’s levels. Our homemade chili is easy to make ahead? Charcuterie board with lots of easy options? One of the best ways to balance Halloween and blood sugar is to make sure that candy isn’t for supper!
Sugar-free Halloween Diabetic Treats?
Sure! If using sugar- free options for candy and goodies is your choice, feel free. However, be forewarned that not all sugar-free options are more low carb than the originals. Before choosing an option be sure and read the label or recipe. Without checking, you could be creating more of a need for insulin than just eating the regular version.
For a quick reference sheet on the go, simply search for a nutrition label or download a sheet. We regularly use BreakthroughT1d (formerly known as JDRF- Junior Diabetes Research Foundation) as a trusted source. Treat sheet
Pre-bolus and Have Fun!
When a large carb load and a fat kickback are definitely in the future, we sometimes pre-bolus small doses of insulin. Staying ahead of high blood sugar can be a very effective way to allow your monsters to snack with more abandon. Make sure to check with your doctor or endocrinologist. for specifics on dosing and insulin usage.
Halloween Activities
Choosing to walk around for trick-or-treat, finding a festival with games, reverse trick-or-treating…there are so many different ways to include physical activity in Halloween! Never doubt the effects of running from house to house or engaging in a game to help regulate the blood sugar spikes from treats.
We host a yearly Halloween party on one of the weekends in October. These Halloween diabetic treats are in the form of GAMES! We set up a bowling alley in our backyard down a hill. Huge pumpkins took the place of bowling balls and water bottles with glow sticks in them served as pins. Hide and seek in the dark anyone? How about a game “bobbing” for apples hanging from trees? Pull them off with your teeth and gain a point! The possibilities for an action packed evening that takes the emphasis off candy are endless.
How about teaching how sweet it is to give treats? The first year after Milly’s diagnosis, we made cookies and put them in little baggies with a note to describe our treat. The, we drove around and gave out our treats to folks who were homebound or maybe needed an extra smile. It’s never too early to teach how it can be just as sweet to share a treat as to receive one.
Halloween Diabetic Treats That Won’t Turn into Tricks
- Take the candy your sweetie receives and limit the number of pieces allowed. Teach the joy of savoring a treat or two rather than eating 100.
- Switch your sweet treats out for small toys, stickers or even a small amount of money. Consider your budget per treat before making your trades!
- Make Halloween treats that meet the criteria you have. There are hundreds of recipes available for low carb or carb healthy options.
- Choose sugar free candies, but look carefully! Carbs are not always in sugar form.
However your family chooses to incorporate Halloween diabetic treats into your festivities, enjoy! Person first, diabetes second!!
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