On the night of trick & treaters, pumpkins, and ghouls, kids and adults are getting steps and “goblin” up candy. Whether you end up carrying a pillow case of candies or piggy-backing tuckered out tikes, let’s chat about why Halloween is one of the “healthier” holidays. 

I cannot speak for everyone, but as a kid, Halloween was the time of year that I got the most steps in a condensed period of time. Yes, I played soccer and basketball growing up, but there was no competition greater than “who could score the most candy” between friends or siblings. Macpheson et al. found that “walking for 10,000 steps at about 4.2 km/hr would achieve approximately 336 kcals per day (near 80min) while walking at a moderate intensity for 30 min translates to between 3000 and 4000 steps for 150 kcals” (1). Based on the fun and competition of a Halloween night, kids are probably in a near-run from house to house. This added intensity of cardio works more muscles and  builds up a sweat. 

Not only does the speed and number of steps play a role in the increased energy expenditure, but the load that is carried through the night does as well. Some costumes, whether homemade or store bought, add quite a bit of weight to the body. If the ghost, princess, or monster is experienced, their haul of sugar will add even more weight exponentially through the hours of trick or treating. This costume and candy combo results in burning progressively more calories the further you trick-or-treat. 

Knowing the amount of mini chocolate bars, potato chips, and candies that are consumed through the month of November, Halloween isn’t that healthy at all. But the race and adventure of Halloween night is a great workout with family or friends. Just remember whether you are a kid, or a kid at heart, to have fun and stay visible this spooky Halloween night. 

Witch-ing you a Happy Halloween!

Dr. Cole Maranger DC