Healthy Halloween: A Contradiction in Terms?

Healthy Halloween may seem like a contradiction, but it doesn’t have to be. While Halloween is known for sugar-laden sweets, there are ways to enjoy the holiday without compromising on health.

Tips for a Healthier Halloween

  1. High-protein meal: Ensure that you and your children have a good high-protein meal before starting the loot gathering. This will help balance the scales on those sugary snacks.
  2. Avoid hydrogenated oils: Be sure not to get anything with hydrogenated oils.
  3. Healthy alternatives: Consider handing out Halloween treats that lean to the healthy side. You can call our office for more great recipes and tips.

Quick Pumpkin Cupcakes Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 box regular yellow or vanilla cake mix, 2-layer-size
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 Tablespoon corn oil
  • 2/3 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 cup water or apple juice

Decorations:

  • Canned low-fat vanilla frosting
  • Candy corn
  • Black or orange jelly beans
  • Black licorice

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray each muffin cup with nonstick cooking spray or use paper cupcake liners.
  2. Blend the cake mix with the eggs, oil, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and the water or juice with mixer at low speed until moistened. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.
  3. Spoon into the prepared muffin pan. Bake 18 minutes or until done. Cool in pan. Makes 18.