By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.

As each day loses a little sunlight, the twinkling orange lights and jack o' lanterns are welcome sights in the darkness. Soon these lights will be guiding the way for trick-or-treaters on Halloween night.

Fond memories come to mind of growing up in a small town in Wisconsin and visiting our neighbors in costume. One neighbor in particular would insist we be creative and do a trick before she would reward us with a treat. We would run­, all out run, from house to house.

As every generation says, "Those were the good old days." Homemade costumes, running the neighborhood without adult supervision, and collecting candy. After all, candy and treats generally showed up only on special occasions. Childhood obesity, inactivity, and safety in your own neighborhood were not issues.

Now these issues are a concern beyond Halloween - if only kids could run freely throughout neighborhoods without worry, if only treats and candy were just that, a treat, instead of the norm or a concern of overconsumption. Remember when a plastic pumpkin instead of a pillowcase was the container of choice?

I was recently reading an article about Halloween and child obesity concerns. I was impressed by the parents interviewed and their suggestions for moderating candy consumption beyond Halloween. Here's some ideas to take the focus off candy:

• Opt for non-food treats, fun that lasts beyond the holiday.
• Moderate a child's intake by allowing him or her to trade candy for a special toy.
• Regulate intake. For example, my dentist's office is having a candy buyback the day after Halloween. The kids receive a monetary reward. The candy collected will be sent to troops.
• Make the holiday more about the costume, doing tricks, making decorations, playing games, getting outside for a walk or a run.

Whatever you choose, it is an opportunity to teach appropriate portions and that all foods have a place, in moderation.

Please share your ideas for curbing the candy binge - and bulge.

October 16, 2008 1:54 p.m.