Halloween is the perfect time of year to plan a party. Whether you’re organizing a dinner for the kids in the neighborhood before they head out trick or treating or supplying refreshments for a class party, keep the menu healthy to offset the sugar high that’s sure to follow.
Contain your kids’ sugar highs the Halloween with homemade treats instead of store-bought cake, cookies and candy. Not only is it healthier for kids to eat less fat and sugar, but if you’re trying to watch your own weight, you won’t feel tempted by leftover candy.
For Trick-or-Treaters:
Trick or Treat Trail Mix: Instead of calorie-laden candy, treat your neighbors to a sweet alternative to candy and junk food. Purchase miniature treat bags to package up your homemade goodies and label the outside of the bag with the ingredients you used for kids who have food allergies.
Homemade Granola: Instead of adding to the candy stash, give your trick-or-treaters breakfast for the next day. A lower-sugar granola will be a hit the day after Halloween and will make you the most popular parent on the block.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies: There’s no need to wait until Thanksgiving to start baking with pumpkin. Instead of pie, start with cookies to hand out during trick or treating. Your own kids might not even want to leave the house.
Halloween Night Dinners:
Crock Pot Chili Mac: Serve up a “ghoulish goulash” before the kids head out to trick-or-treat. With this lower-fat combination of protein and carbohydrates, your kids will be less tempted to munch on candy in between doorbells.
Deep Dish Pizza Casserole: Thick and comforting, a piece of pizza casserole is the perfect way to kick off an evening of Halloween fun. With plenty of gooey cheese but less fat than most pizza pies, your whole family will want to make this recipe a regular.
Taco Chicken Bake: Let your kids help you assemble this simple-yet-satisfying baked pasta, inspired by Mexican flavors. The freakishly good combination will give your kids the energy they need to run throughout the neighborhood.
For Class Parties:
Pizza Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin carving is a fun October activity but don’t waste the seeds when you’re done. Instead of sending your kids to school with candy for the classroom Halloween party, opt for a fun pumpkin snack recipe inspired by a universal favorite food.
Apple Cinnamon Fruit Dip: Fresh fruit and a low-fat dip are the perfect combination for any Halloween party. Creamy Greek yogurt lends protein and calcium while apples and cinnamon provide perfect fall flavor.
Homemade Soft Pretzels: Since Halloween usually means sugar overload, opt for a salty treat next time you have to bring refreshments to a class party. To make them even healthier use white whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose.
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