Healthy Halloween trick-o-treating advice

Halloween is just around the corner and that means kids in full costume consuming way too much candy. So how can parents tame those sugar monsters?

Becky Sulik is a registered dietitianand recommends parents hand bags of popcorn to children who are diabetic, allergic to gluten or just simply want to stay healthy.

9-year-old Oshyn Christensen was diagnosed with Diabetes and Celiac disease. Christensen said since she was diagnosed she has stayed gluten free. Gluten is found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. Oshyn’s parents said certain brands of chocolate contain flour so they have to be extra careful when trick-or-treating.

“We do have to prepare ahead of time sometimes when they have treats at schools. When we trick-or-treat we have to bring the candy home and find out what she can eat and what she can’t,” said Becci Christensen, Oshyn’s mother.

Sulik said parents should be extra careful when it comes to how much candy their kids consume this Halloween.

“We are definitely having an increase in obesity, as well as type two Diabetes. I recommend to get out and walk with your children when you trick-or-treat,” Sulik said.

Parents shouldn’t let this story scare them because even though trick-or-treating can be spooky for some, Oshyn said she loves it.

“I just want to say that it doesn’t have to be as bad for Halloween, you just have to enjoy it and be happy,” Oshyn said.

An estimated 1 in 133 Americans has Celiac disease, according to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness. It can affect men and women across all ages and races.