Halloween is right around the corner, and many parents struggle to find a sweet treat that can also be a part of a healthy diet. Whether providing snacks for the class party, the neighborhood party or for the little monsters that show up at your door–this Halloween, give children a treat and a nutrition boost with the official drink of Halloween: chocolate milk!
You don’t have to be afraid to offer chocolate milk! After all, it’s good nutrition in disguise. It’s no trick–along with a healthy diet, chocolate milk can help children meet their daily nutritional requirements. Did you know that it has the same nine essential nutrients as white milk including calcium, vitamin D and potassium–nutrients that research shows up to 50 percent of children in the U.S. are not consuming enough of daily? Help keep growing skeletons strong by making sure they are consuming the three recommended servings of dairy each day.
Not only is it frightfully good, but a cup of low-fat chocolate milk only contains two teaspoons of added sugar compared to almost eight teaspoons in a candy bar. Research shows that children who drink chocolate milk have lower body mass indexes (BMIs), do not consume more calories or sugar and have better overall nutrient intakes than non-milk drinkers. This Halloween serve chocolate milk to your ghosts, ghouls and goblins, and they will feel fueled for a night of fun! Celebrate the official drink of Halloween by handing out chocolate milk and give your trick-or-treaters a terrifyingly tasty, refreshing and spooktacular nutritious treat!
Catherine Arnold MS, RDN, LD, The Mindful Dietitian LLC, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based out of Louisville, Kentucky. She specializes in weight management, pediatric nutrition, and comprehensive nutrition and wellness education. Her goal is to empower individuals to reach and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. You can find her at catherinearnoldrd.com.