Halloween fitness pass idea rejected by dietitian

A Toronto dietitian doubts that a plan by the City of Summerside to encourage residents to hand out discounted fitness passes instead of candy this Halloween will be effective.

"I thought that it sends the wrong message," Abby Langer told CBC News.

"Whoever suggested it, their heart is in the right place, but I am not really in agreement with this tactic."

• Halloween treats go healthy in Summerside

Summerside officials felt fitness passes could help change the mindset of kids who are already consuming too much sugar and don't really need a holiday that promotes candy.

But Langer believes the plan is likely to backfire.

"Now exercise becomes a punishment," she said.

"We're taking away your Halloween, or some of your candy, but you're going to go exercise instead. Does that make you want to exercise? No, probably not."

Langer said the city would be better off offering up the discounted fitness passes without connecting them to Halloween.