One local nutrition advocate wants parents to use the days after Halloween as lessons in healthy living.

Leftover candy should be inspected by parents in order to ensure nothing is expired or has questionable packaging. Caitlin Huth, with the University of Illinois Extension, explains childhood allergies is also cause for parents to inspect trick-or-treat bags.

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Huth notes the next couple weeks are prime opportunities for parents to teach kids about patience and portion control. She says it's a good idea for kids to have a couple of pieces a night in order for their stash of candy to last longer.

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The upcoming holiday season is time when Americans tend to overindulge on various foods. Huth encourages everyone to take control of their portions and pace themselves over Thanksgiving and Christmas.