While Halloween involves visiting haunted attractions and finding a suitable costume, it also involves a lot of alcohol, candy and baked goods.
For any health-conscious person, this holiday can be an obstacle course.
Sociology professor Yoshinori Kamo said Halloween is sociologically like
Thanksgiving.
“With Thanksgiving and Halloween, we have a good excuse to eat a lot,” Kamo said. “We need something fun to have a reason to load up on sugar and carbs to do something unusual.”
Kamo said that while Halloween parties aren’t necessarily different from other holidays, this one gives people an excuse to go overboard because Halloween isn’t like every other day of the year. 
Denise Holston, Smart Bodies program director and instructor in the University’s School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, offered advice and warnings for this year’s health nightmare.  
“One of the worst decisions a student can make during Halloween is treating it as though it will be your last opportunity to ever eat candy again, meaning overindulging just because it is Halloween,” Holston said.
Holston also said to avoid sticky candies because they can easily attach to teeth, promoting bacteria and dental cavities.
The party atmosphere also presents several challenges for those cautious about their health and weight. Holston said if anyone is dedicated to weight watching, they “should probably avoid alcoholic beverages, as it is additional calories without nutritional benefits.”
If a person does have alcoholic beverages, Holston advised opting for light beers, wine and alcohol in its most natural form, meaning without sugary mixers that add a copious amount of calories.
“For example, a 12-ounce light beer is around 100 calories,” Holston said. “And a 4-ounce margarita is about 170 calories.” 
Forensic sociology and psychology freshman Jaimie Gallagher said she treats Halloween like any other day, and she doesn’t drink.
“Drinking leads to horrible eating,” Gallagher said. “People will drink and then start craving Taco Bell. It adds up.”
Holston said those who want to eat candy on Halloween should opt for dark chocolate as a healthier option. For those aiming to avoid sweets entirely, she said nuts and regular or dried fruit are alternatives.
However, students don’t need to excessively worry about weight gain, Holston said. A person would have to consume 3,500 more calories than what his body burns to gain one pound.
“A person can easily eat two to three pieces of candy on some days and not gain any weight as long as they balance the rest of their food choices and engage in physical activity,” Holston said. “Go for two to three pieces and savor them.”
She also said a person could have one to two alcoholic drinks without experiencing weight gain. Regardless, Holston said students should treat Halloween as a typical day complete with sufficient physical activity.

Gallery • 3 Photos

Emily Brauner

With Halloween quickly approaching, students face issues with moderation.