Halloween brings out the sweet tooth in all of us. Dressing in costumes, going to parties and trick-or-treating can be a lot of fun. Treats are a part of that fun. The trick is to enjoy without over indulging in candy and incorporating healthy treats as an option.
Traditional healthier treats you can give out include:
- Individual bags of pretzels
- Pumpkin seeds
- Yogurt covered raisins Sugar-free gum
- Hot chocolate mix
You can also prepare your own nutritious munchies with simple ingredients. Some creative ideas to get you started making your own treats are:
Banana Ghostly Popsicles: Split a banana down the middle, and insert a popsicle stick in the flat end. Freeze the banana, dunk it in fruit juice and then dip it in DRIED shredded coconut. Place two chocolate chips for eyes. Witches’ Teeth: Core and quarter an apple. Remove wedge from skin side of each quarter to form a mouth. Insert slivered almonds for teeth.
Healthy Sand'witches': Make healthy sandwiches using whole wheat bread, with turkey, nut butters or fruit preserves then cut them up with Halloween shaped cookie cutters.
Baked Pumpkin Treats: Plain pumpkin puree is full of Vitamin A, and low in fat and calories. You can also substitute it for butter, oil and shortening when baking. Grab a box of any cake mix leave out the butter and eggs and replace with a can of pumpkin. You’ll have a super moist and delicious cake.
You can’t replace Halloween candy altogether so portion control is the best way to avoid overindulgence.
• Make sure that children eat a meal or snack before heading out to trick or treat so they won’t be tempted to eat too many goodies before they get home.
• Set a limit for how many candy treats will be eaten over several days.
• Substitute regular dessert with a few pieces from the Halloween candy stash.
Celebrate Halloween with healthy treats both kids and adults will love!