Happy Halloween everyone! This can be a start to a tricky time of year, with the rest of the holidays coming up as well. It can be difficult with all of the available little treats at both work and home, with a variety of temptations. We can understand how all of it can be overwhelming, and how hard it can be to stay in control at various parties and events. We are here to help!
There are definitely ways to navigate this. First, if you are planning to host trick or treaters, buy candy that you do not like or just buy healthier options to begin with. The healthier options could include items such as whole grain pretzels, 100 calorie packs of nuts, and dried fruit. If you are invited to Halloween parties, your best bet is to bring a delicious recipe to share or enjoy a balanced snack before you head over. If you are hosting a Halloween event be sure to serve the more nutritious options first, and the less nutritious items toward the end of the evening. This will help everyone fill up from the fiber and protein rich foods before the other items are served; at this time guests will eat less of the typical Halloween treats. You can also serve healthier Halloween inspired foods that could include guacamole as “ monster slime” to get in some healthy fats. Some other ideas are included below:
1. Deviled Eggs
Ingredients :
1/4 c. low fat mayo
6 eggs, hardboiled
1 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp mustard
1 tsp Sriracha
Paprika for garnish
salt to taste
Julienned red bell peppers (for devil horns as garnish)
Directions:
Slice the eggs in half lengthwise, removing yolks to a medium bowl. Place egg white portions on a serving bowl.
With a fork, mash the cooked yolks to a fine crumble. Add in mayo, vinegar, mustard, Sriracha, salt, and mix well, until completely combined.
Evenly disperse heaping teaspoons of egg yolk mixture into the egg whites. Garnish with paprika and two julienned red bell peppers at the top (as shown in picture.)
Enjoy this devilish snack!
The first recipe listed is deviled eggs. The eggs themselves are packed full of protein and the additional fiber from the red peppers are sure to keep you full. These are perfect to serve as a quick snack before the trick or treating begins, or as a protein portion of your dinner.
2. Sweet Pumpkin Spice Dip
Ingredients:
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
2 cups vanilla yogurt
1-2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice
Apples, sliced (for serving)
Directions:
In a food processor or mixer combine pumpkin puree, vanilla yogurt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until well combined.
Serve with apple slices.
Enjoy!
The next recipe listed is a sweet pumpkin dip. As this recipe suggests, it is perfect for dunking your favorite fruit or whole grain crackers. The pumpkin is full of beta-carotene, which not only gives it that vibrant orange color, but helps give us healthy eyes and a healthy heart. The vanilla yogurt provides us with calcium and protein, and gives the dip its creamy texture.
3. Banana Boo Pops
Ingredients:
2 bananas, cut in half
1 cup vanilla greek yogurt
8 semi sweet chocolate chips (for eyes)
4 popsicle sticks
Directions:
Peel the bananas and cut in half. Line a cookie sheet with foil paper and set aside.
Using a spatula, and holding end of banana, coat completely with vanilla yogurt.
Place coated bananas on cookie sheet, add popsicle sticks at base of cut banana and decorate with chocolate chips for eyes and mouth (as shown in picture).
Freeze for about 1 hour or until yogurt is hard. Serve frozen.
Enjoy!
The last recipe here is sure to satisfy both children and adults alike. The children love this recipe because it is an edible arts and craft that happens to be both sweet and delicious. The banana provides not only fiber, but potassium as well. The potassium is essential for heart health. The yogurt will provide the protein, which makes it a perfectly balanced snack.
Enjoy and have a happy and safe halloween!
Until Next Time,
Katherine Ancona, MS, RDN, CDN
Check out our other Halloween post on 8 Tips for a Healthy Halloween here
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