5 TASTY TREATS FOR A HAPPY AND HEALTHY HALLOWEEN

TIPS FOR HEALTHY HALLOWEEN SNACKING

Hello everyone! Today is HALLOWEEN – that incredibly popular day of the year that ushers in the entire winter Holiday Season. And, it’s also #MENU MONDAY. So, what better time to discuss a little Halloween History AND a few Treats that will keep all your Trick or Treaters Happy and Healthy 🙂

For starters, Halloween was first known as All Hallows Eve by the Druids, a Celtic culture in Ireland. It symbolized the end of the summer growing season and the beginning of the annual harvest. And, to ensure that the next year’s crops would be plentiful, villagers left gifts of food on one another’s doorsteps.

Eventually, the villagers began to dress up in costumes themselves. And this, of course, was the beginning of our modern day “trick or treating.” And while Halloween today is associated with lots of candy and sweet sugary treats, there are ways we can still celebrate the holiday, have fun and keep our treating healthy!

So, let’s get started with 5 TASTY TREATS FOR A HAPPY AND HEALTHY HALLOWEEN:

1. RAISINS. Not only are they a sweet alternative to candy, raisins are really healthy in a number of ways. They are loaded with calcium which is great for our bones and teeth. They are packed with lots of natural sugars, which keep us alert and energetic. The potassium and magnesium found in raisins help remove toxins from our body. The fiber helps us feel full and aids in our digestion. And, the polyphenolic antioxidant catechin, which is abundant in raisins, helps protect us from the free radicals that are linked to the development of cancerous tumors.
2. SMART COOKIES. Meet the New Kid on the Block. The Smart Cookie. These organic treats are non-GMO, which means they contain no genetically modified ingredients. They are made in a nut-free facility – which is important to those of us with nut allergies. And, they come in amazing flavors like orange chocolate beet and sweet potato oatmeal raisin. Packed in bags less than one ounce in size, they are convenient, safe and surprisingly tasty!
3. GUMMIE SNACKS. This is a perennial favorite for kids and adults alike. New on the shelf are the probiotic fruit and veggie snacks that are certified organic, non-GMO AND gluten, dairy and nut-free. These chewy snacks also are trans-fat free. Those made with real fruit don’t contain added sugar and they come in great flavors like papaya, mango, strawberry and pineapple. They don’t contain artificial flavors or colors and they are available in small portable snack packs. Just be sure to read the label as some varieties offer more health benefits than others.
4. PUMPKIN SEEDS. As healthy as pumpkins are, the seeds may be the most nutritious part of this holiday staple. These little seeds are rich in plant-based omega-3 fats, which They’re loaded with magnesium, which helps our heart, nerves and muscles to function well – and keeps our bones strong. The zinc boosts our immune system, aids sleep, helps maintain a positive mood and improves our brain function. They’re crunchy and flavorful – and available in ready to eat tiny snack packs.
5. CARROTS. Last but not least – let’s not overlook the baby carrot. What it lacks in excitement it makes up for in nutrition. A two-ounce packet will provide 8% of our daily fiber, which will keep us feeling full and aid our digestion. This tiny packet also provides about 220% of our recommended daily serving of vitamin A, which supports healthy mucous membranes, a strong immune system and protects against viruses and disease. And, the beta-carotene – which helps in the production of vitamin A – is great for protecting our eyes from disease, including macular degeneration. By the way, the tiny baby carrots may not be chocolate – but, they’re surprisingly sweet and satisfying. And super crunchy!

Well, I hope that helps if you’re not quite sure what to offer all the kids in the neighborhood this year. And remember, these snacks are not just for Halloween. They and their substantial health benefits are available all year long.

So, enjoy a SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN everyone. Make it HAPPY as you keep it HEALTHY .

Thanks for joining me and until next time, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .

TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!