Halloween is the biggest candy holiday of the year. For children, filling up bags and bags of free candy on Halloween can be a dream come true.

For many parents, a candy battle is often waged every Halloween. "Children can't wait to dig into their candy treats and many parents are worried about their children eating too much," explained Family Practice physician Vidya Counto, M.D.

"Because parents are the single most important influence on a child's food and exercise habits, Halloween can be a great opportunity to teach children about nutrition and food choices. Lessons about food labels, portion control and moderation can be valuable tools in avoiding a candy-centered power struggle."

For example, instead of the large candy bars that children may eat at other times of the year, most Halloween candy comes in smaller bite size packages. "Eating smaller, single serving packages of treats can help your child avoid getting too many calories from sweets," Dr. Counto continued. "Be sure to read candy labels carefully, and check how many pieces make up one serving. One serving of a standard-sized candy bar may be equal to four miniature candy bars or two fun-size portions.

"If a parent is too restrictive with Halloween treats, the child may tend to hide food or sneak candy and snack secretly. Most of the Halloween feeding frenzy is in the first few days and then it typically settles down. Allowing sweets in moderation rather than eliminating them altogether can help children to learn the importance of balanced eating, so they will be better-equipped to manage their own food choices as adults."

The National Confectioners Association states that ninety percent of parents admit to sneaking goodies from their kids' Halloween trick-or-treat bags. "During the post-Halloween time period, parents can be good role models and establish a balanced and moderate schedule for candy consumption," Dr. Counto added.

Even when choosing what to eat, it's possible to make health-conscious decisions. Small amounts of licorice at 30 calories per piece, may be better options than other high-calorie candy choices.

Other snack-size items, such as Peppermint Patties, Junior Mints, and 3 Musketeers bars, are lower in fat than solid candy bars; while gummy candies, jelly beans, and candy corn are fat-free, but are higher in sugar.

"Parents can also choose the strategy of controlling the child's overall candy supply, by limiting how much trick-or-treating children do or setting a limit on how much candy they can collect," Dr. Counto advised. "Another option is to give trick-or-treaters alternatives to candy, such as individual packages of graham crackers, granola bars, fig cookies, popcorn, pretzels, or instant cocoa. Other nonfood items for trick-or-treaters can include colorful pens, pencils, or crayons."

Any Leftovers?

"If you are like many families, you may have a large amount of leftover Halloween candy," Dr. Counto stated. "Depending on the supply and how quickly it is consumed, you may find that you still have Halloween candy left at Thanksgiving and even Christmas."

What to do with all of the leftover Halloween candy so that you and your kids aren't tempted to eat it?

According to several candy companies, candy that is individually wrapped will maintain freshness for six months to two years from the time of purchase.

Chocolate and candy with nuts have a shorter freshness life than do sugar candies, such as suckers, jelly beans and sour drops. This is because the fat content in chocolate and nuts can deteriorate over time.

"The best way to store leftover candy is in a covered container placed in a room that has a temperature between 60 to 70F," Dr. Counto suggested.

"Refrigeration typically dries out candy and the long-term freezing of chocolate causes the cocoa butter to separate, resulting in blotches or streaks. Keeping chocolate too warm also has the same effect."

Vidya Counto, M.D., is a board certified Family Medicine physician affiliated with Salem Community Hospital's active medical staff. Appointments with Dr. Counto can be scheduled by calling the Columbiana Family Care Center at 750 East Park Avenue in Columbiana, (330) 482-3871.