Watching what we eat can require skill and a scientific dictionary - translating wording on labels, calculating fat grams, deciphering calories versus protein and carbs, weighing out healthy portions. Ugh. I imagine it's even harder when you have kids.

For kids' Halloween parties, apple bobbing is fun but makes a mess of carefully painted faces and costumes. Opt for playing "Grab Apple" instead, by hanging apples from their stem overhead and having kids jump to grab their trophy. It makes for excellent photo opportunities, parents. Let the kids keep their hard-won apples and turn them into caramel apples rolled in nuts. Using medjool dates from Metropolitan Market, pure vanilla extract, raw cashews and agave nectar, Holly Rigsby of the website Fit Yummy Mummy recommends throwing all of it plus caramel made with whole, natural ingredients (steer clear of caramel with high fructose corn syrup) into a blender then heating it slowly double boiler-style, or leaving it cold as an apple dip. Try Honeycrisp apples for extra sweetness or go for tart and sour with the Granny Smith variety from Dave's Meats & Produce.

Using this advice, when it's trick-or-treat time next year and your kids' little Disney princess, Buzz Lightyear and Harry Potter costumes don't fit, it won't be because of childhood obesity.