Halloween experiences as a child and as an adult are very different!  As a kid, you revel in the mountains of goodies spilling out of your plastic trick-or-treat bucket.  You probably scowl as Mom or Dad pours your treasure into a giant container at the top of the pantry.  “You can have one piece after dinner each night” was the all-too-familiar mantra.  Fast-forward to the stresses of adulthood – extra Halloween candy seems to take on a whole new meaning!  Self-control gets harder.  A delicious piece of chocolate seems to make all of your worries go away – so you think. 

Unfortunately, candy does not always agree with your weight loss goals.  Moderation is key (candy is not the enemy!) but after a plethora of Halloween parties, candy can get a little too tempting.  Wondering what to do with extra Halloween candy?  Instead of throwing it away, let me offer you some better solutions!

What To Do With Extra Halloween Candy:

Halloween Candy Buy Back.  You can take your extra candy to the local dentist and they will “buy” it back from you.  It might be money, coupons, toothbrushes, or anything else the local dentist decides.  The dentist will then send the candy to troops overseas.  Go to the Halloween Candy Buy Back website to find a dentist near you.

Operation Gratitude.  If you don’t have a local dentist participating in the buyback program, you can send your extra candy directly to Operation Gratitude, and they will send it to troops deployed overseas.

Support Local Public Servants.  Take the extra candy to donate to the police station, fire station, and/or EMS.  Even your local mail carrier would probably appreciate some candy!

Donate it to your Community.  Consider giving extra candy to homeless shelters, women’s shelters, nursing homes, or other places that you feel would benefit.

Being generous with extra Halloween candy while honoring your body – what could be better?  Have a fun and safe Halloween, everyone!  I personally am looking forward to having a couple of pieces of candy on October 31st – what is your favorite?  Comment below!