It’s the season for sweets, treats, and great family meals. Which starts the cascade of holiday festivities, but our childhood favorite … Halloween! Halloween is one of those holidays that regardless of age I must admit I look forward to it. Really, what’s cooler than free candy?

So, let’s be honest here. I’ve often seen the healthiest sane people grab a little giggle from the office Halloween candy bowl. Most likely we all have. I admit it, I am a wellness professional and I eat candy. However, my definition of caramel may differ slightly from the norm. When I eat a sweet, I strive to eat the ones that somehow have some positive health benefits. However, the office candy bowl may not offer 70% dark chocolate squares. So if you know you will be tempted, what are the “best” options to choose from? Here are some of my practical tips while checking the candy bowl:

• Size doesn’t always mean fewer calories. Take a Butterfinger, for example. A “fun-size” Butterfinger has 100 calories! Compare that to a “fun size” of 3 musketeers that only packs 63 calories.
• Fruity sweets can be deceiving. While it may be “fat free”, it is often packed with many artificial colors and flavors. For the most part, there is no way around this unless you can get hold of some of the more natural or organic candy brands like YummyEarth. In fact, you’d be better off with a “fun-sized” candy bar vs. 5 handfuls of sugary candies. Consider this: Starburst has 204 calories and 4 grams of fat per 10 pieces. And Starbursts are one of the only fruit candies that actually contain fat!
• Simple is usually a good sign. Take a York Peppermint Pattie, for example. One FULL, BIG Pattie has only 140 calories and 2 grams of fat. Compare that to any FULL size candy bar and you usually have Pattie as your winner! When you look at the ingredients in a York, the list is short. Just like we’ve heard with any food, the fewer ingredients you see (and hopefully the words you understand) many times the better!
• Special versions are usually larger and heavier versions of the original. Take the pumpkin from Reese vs. Reese’s cup of regular peanut butter. Peanut butter squash has a whopping 170 calories compared to the normal 105 calories for a standard cup. Does it really need to look like a pumpkin to taste good?
• Try candies that last. A lollipop is always a good option. Typically lower in calories, you can keep flavor and enjoyment for minutes!

I know how much fun Halloween can be for young and old alike, this year try to have fun and eat your “good” treats too.