Halloween is almost here and that means our kids will be BOMBARDED with candy and treats. As a health coach and REAL food advocate I really struggle with this day. First off because I know and have researched all the devastating effects the typical GMO (genetically modified), sugar laden, toxic candy of today has on children. The processed sugar, trans fat, food dyes, chemicals and preservatives are CRINGE WORTHY and VERY SCARY.
I really wish we could focus on the costumes and visiting with friends and neighbors but I know thats wishful thinking. But I have realized through the years that I can still make the day pleasant and help my kids navigate the treats and candy so its not to much overload. If you want to see how I handle Halloween with my kids here is a past blog I wrote.
I have also come across quite a few amazing and HEALTHY alternatives to candy and treats for the classroom or Halloween party that I love and will share with you. These are all EASY to put together (because who has the time to make those extravagant pinterest creations). I can not take the credit for these amazing ideas but if you do a search you will see recipe and photo that will help.
1. CUTE LIL’ PUMPKINS
Tangerines and using a permanent marker decorate the skins as pumpkin faces.
2. MINI GHOSTS
Cut banana into 3 parts. Insert popsicle sticks in one end. Roll in yogurt, coconut flakes, and use 2 chocolate chips as eyes. Boo!
3. APPLE MUMMIES
Draw scary eyes on green apples and wrap with white finger guaze.
4. PUMPKIN FRUIT TRAY
Use an assortment of orange fruits and veggies and arrange in pumpkin shape on tray.
5. PUMPKIN FRUIT KEBOBS
Make fruit kebobs on skewers and then use a medium size pumpkin as the holder and stick them all around.
6. POPCORN BALLS
Air pop organic non gmo corn. Once popped add in a little real butter, honey and shape into balls, roll in a little sea salt and cinnamon, or pumpkin pie spice.
7. CHEESE STICK GHOST
Purchase organic mozzarella cheese sticks and on the back side using a permanent marker draw a ghost face (2 round eyes and mouth) line them all up on a tray together.
8. CANDY CORN VEGGIE TRAY
Create a veggie tray in the shape of a candy corn using white on top, baby carrots in the middle, and yellow peppers on the bottom.
9. ZOMBIE EYEBALLS
Using organic purple grapes pull them all off the vine and put them in clear glass bowl, label it as “zombie eyeballs”.
10. HALLOWEEN APPLES
Cut apple straight down into slices, remove the cores with mini halloween cookie cutter shapes. Lay out on a tray and squeeze lemon on top to prevent browning.
Happy Halloween Everyone!
Be Well 🙂
Susie R