We are still on our "real food" eating plan, working our way through month #10. It has definitely become more second-nature now, although it does still require reading labels faithfully and watching for changes in ingredients. We have survived holidays, teachers who weren't "sold" on our plan, vacations, etc. We have no intentions of ever going back to our old way of eating. However, looming in the distance is...Halloween! How in the world do you let your kids go trick-or-treating for something they can't even eat? It seemed kind of cruel to us, so we started brainstorming Here is what we have decided to do, and the kids are both on board!
We are going to let the kids trick or treat as normal, getting candy and other goodies as they knock on neighbors' doors and hold out their plastic pumpkins. When we are finished for the evening, they can each pick one piece of candy of their choice. ANYTHING, even if it's not on plan (provided, of course, that it looks safely wrapped!). Then, my husband and I are going to "buy back"any non-plan candy from them. We haven't decided yet if it will be per piece or as a whole group. Next, the kids can use that money to buy themselves one type of candy or treat that they CAN have from the local health food store. Any remaining money will be used to purchase goods for our church pantry. The kids were excited about shopping for the pantry, so they are completely on board with this idea. Some of the candy we "buy back" will be saved for our annual gingerbread houses in December. We are hopeful that, in addition to making sure we stay on plan, it will help the kids learn to think of others and to learn to use their money in ways that is helpful to others as well. I'll be sure you let you know how it goes!
Great idea! I had never thought of using the candy for gingerbread houses. I usually throw it away. I will use that idea this year!!
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