The October Featured Guest Blogger of the Month, are two talented ladies from ChewOnThat Blog. They’re two foodies who can’t help but share their knowledge of and love for the edible everyday on their blog. They’ve always got an engaging anecdote as to why this or that recipe warms their heart, and the recipes are always a hit! We thank Maxine and Hillary for sharing their healthy recipes with us this month. See all of their October Guest Posts.
When I was growing up, we were “that house” on the street at which no one wanted to trick-or-treat. Yes, my mom was one of those dreaded parents who filled our “candy” basket with pencils, erasers and stickers. No candy. Ever. You can imagine how scarring that was for my brother and me as small children.
But now, looking back at the responsible and conscientious choice that my mother made, I must give her some credit. Halloween is one of the few days where just about everyone can justify eating a piece of candy, and my mom said, “No. I choose not to propagate the sugar high of the neighborhood.” OK, maybe she didn’t say those exact words, but I think that was some of her motivation.
Steering clear of sugar can be horribly difficult on Halloween, but Recipe4Living has some ideas to keep you from straying and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time.
Swap Out Candy Bars for Pretzel Fun
Homemade Soft Pretzels can be a great way to integrate festive fun into any occasion – not just Halloween. The recipe is simple and the possibilities are endless. Use the dough to shape spiders with eight legs or pumpkin shapes. This can also be great for kid’s birthdays – pretzels are fun to make with kids in the kitchen and you can let them shape their own initials.
Snack Spicy, Not Salty
Another Halloween favorite is roasting or toasting pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds are considered a very good source of magnesium and manganese and a good source of iron, copper and protein. Most people immediately think of salt-laden seeds, but there are much healthier – and tastier – ways to get your pumpkin seed fix. Our recipe for Sweet and Spicy Pumpkin Seeds adds spices like cumin, ginger, cinnamon and cayenne pepper to give wonderfully different flavor to this seasonal snack. If you want to splurge, you can try this Fun Halloween Popcorn Crunch that adds pumpkin seeds to a sweet and salty mixture.
A Healthy Halloween Concoction for Dinner
Halloween parties can turn into quick and easy food before running out the door to trick-or-treat or celebrate with friends. But whether you’re having people over or just want a nutritious, but festive dish to get you in the Halloween spirit, Witch Wanda’s Scary Chili is the only way to go. Lots of beans, barley, herbs and spices make this a satisfying chili that will keep your tummy full and fend off those candy cravings! Take a look at the recipe, it’s fun for everyone!
Sweet Tooth Savers
You didn’t think we’d leave you without a dessert replacement, did you? Wormy Baked Apples are the perfect solution to a healthier Halloween dessert. They’re packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, walnuts and raisins for a satisfying sweetness that will help you say “NO!” to the candy bars. Plus there’s a slimy gummy worm coming out of the apple for a little bit of candy fun.
Halloween, like any other day on a diet, is about making choices, and with these tips from Recipe4Living, you’re sure to stay right on track!
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