It’s hard to keep your kids (and, let’s be honest, yourself) from overindulging in candy and other processed sweets during this time of year. But with a little creativity, you can plan Halloween-themed treats that will “trick” your kids and guests into eating healthy.
Here are a few ideas:
Pumpkin Clementines
Oh, my darling (pumpkin) Clementine! When peeled, these mini citrus fruits resemble a small pumpkin—all you have to do is add a bit of celery to the top for a stem. Another way to enjoy the vitamin c–rich snack is to simply draw a jack-o-lantern face on the skin before peeling to make a clever and cute addition to your kids’ lunchboxes.
BOO-nana Ghosts
Potassium rich and low in calories, bananas are delicious mid-day snacks. For a spooky, seasonal twist, peel the banana and cut it in half lengthwise. Gently slide it each half onto a wooden skewer with the cut end at the bottom. Add chocolate chips or raisins as eyes and a mouth (tip: use a tiny bit of peanut butter to adhere the chips or raisins). Chiquita offers a recipe that also involves rolling the banana in shredded coconut and cream cheese for a slightly more decadent version.
Apple Dentures
Apples boast a ton of nutrients including fiber and antioxidants, and can actually help to clean the teeth as you eat them. This apple recipe, however, makes it look as though someone has left his or her pearly bites behind. To make these funny but freaky fruit snacks, simply slice a red apple in half, and then cut out a piece of each half to make an L shape. Carefully using a knife, make indents in the top and bottom of the apple, and place sliced almonds in each hole. Finally, drizzle with a bit of honey. Click here to watch an instructional video. Tip: Some chefs prefer to spread peanut butter on the top and bottom of the “mouth” before adding the almonds.
Deviled Eggs
A popular party snack, deviled eggs are tasty but they’re also laden with fat-heavy mayo. In this Halloween-themed variation, you’ll simply swap out the mayo with avocado. Boil the eggs, cut them in half, and scoop out the yolk. Mix the yolk with ripe avocado, a squeeze of lime juice, and if you like a little kick, follow this recipe recommending a bit of sriracha. Scoop the egg guacamole mix into the center of the egg halves and add little bits of red pepper on top of the green center as “horns.” Don’t worry about it looking perfect—we guarantee these protein-, potassium-, and fiber-rich treats will be gobbled up in no time.
Halloweeny Hummus
Options abound when it comes to our favorite protein-rich, low-fat spread. Edamame and pea hummus (find the recipe here) can be a stand in for slime. Or make black bean hummus and decorate it with a web design using tahini or yogurt with this recipe. Finally, red pepper hummus (store bought or homemade) can be turned into a jack-o-lantern using olives or black beans.
Happy Halloween from the team at Integrative Nutrition!
Do you have any special healthy holiday treat ideas? Share with us below!
