Each year Halloween brings out lots of little ghosts and goblins, but they are not as spooky as what they may bring home in their treat bag.

Chocolate bars, candies and chewy, gooey snacks that are loaded with fat, sugar and calories, that’s what’s scary!

It’s hard to encourage healthy eating habits, especially during the trick or treat season, but there are fun alternatives available.

Instead of junk food, stock your candy bowl with healthier goodies, like low-fat granola bars or snack-sized bags of nuts, trail mix, pretzels, cheese puffs or other low calorie choices.

If your child really has to have chocolate, look at the nutrition label. Some sweets have less fat and calories than others. There are even some good sugar-free choices available too.

Since everyone won’t be shopping and preparing healthy alternatives for their little ghosts and goblins, be sure to ration the Halloween candy when you children come home.

Your children can enjoy the holiday for several weeks if they divide it out instead of eating it all up at once.

For more information on healthy snacks, contact the Clark County Extension Office at 744-4682.

Jennifer Howard is the County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences.