5 healthy treats so good it will scare you!
Halloween is the season of sugar, read on to find out about some healthy alternative Halloween treats.
Too much processed sugar affects your body in negative ways.
After eating, or drinking, 100 grams of sugar (equal to about two and a half cans of soda), your white blood cells are not able to kill bacteria and germs for up to 5 hours. That’s a frightening amount of time to leave your body unprotected!
Too much sugar in your blood can also increase your risk for cavities, weight gain and serious illnesses like diabetes and kidney disease. However, you can still enjoy the spirit of a socially distanced Halloween and keep your family safe with these ghoulish healthy snack options!
Try them out and see what you think. They are SCARY good.
1) Witchy Hands
What you need: Popcorn (low sodium (salt) and unbuttered)
Powder free, latex free gloves
Candy corn adds extra sugar, it is better to limit or leave it out.
What to do: Fill gloves with popcorn. Tie the glove closed. Share with family and friends!
Why is this a good option? Popcorn can be a low-calorie snack with a lot of fiber. Fiber helps keep you full longer and helps with digestion.
Look carefully at the food label! Choose popcorn that is air-popped, low in sodium (salt), and low in sugar. Stay away from kettle corn, caramel corn or cheese popcorn. Plain popcorn is best!
2) Pumpkin Mandarins
What you need: Mandarins or Tangerines
Black permanent marker
What to do: Grab a tangerine. Using the black marker, get creative and draw a scary face! Peel when you are ready to enjoy.
Why this is a good option: Tangerines are full of Vitamin C which helps your body build its immune system and fight off illness.
Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron from foods you eat. Iron helps your blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. Vitamin C is a win-win!
3) Ghost String Cheese
(photo from Mama Cheaps)
What you need: String cheese/cheese stick (reduced fat)
Black permanent marker
What to do: Draw two circle for eyes and a third for a mouth on the clear wrapping to create a ghost. Share with friends!
Why this is a good option: Reduced or low fat cheese sticks are a good source of calcium, Vitamin C and protein. Choose cheese sticks that have less fat and sodium (salt).
Calcium helps keep bones and teeth strong, and protein helps build muscle and keep you strong.
4) Mummy Applesauce / Mummy Juice Boxes
(from Mama Cheaps)
An activity and a snack all at once!
What you need: Juice box, juice pouch or applesauce pouch
White gauze or white crepe tape (you can find this at the Dollar Store)
Googly eyes stickers or a permanent black marker to draw eyes
Some tape
Scissors may also be helpful
What to do: Wrap your choice of juice box/juice pouch/applesauce pouch with gauze (or crepe tape). Next glue eyes or draw eyes. Share and enjoy!
Why this is a good option: Unsweetened applesauce is a fun way to enjoy a serving of fruit. Applesauce is a good source of fiber and Vitamin C, but pay attention to the amount of sugar on the label!
100% fruit juice without any added sugar can be a better alternative to soda. Juice should be enjoyed sometimes, but remember water always works best for your body!
5) Oat Cereal Trail Mix
What you need: 1 cup toasted oat cereal (such as Cheerios™)
¼ cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts (or other unsalted nut)
¼ cup raisins
¼ cup dried cranberries
What to do: Mix all ingredients into a bowl. Share and enjoy!
If you would like to save some for later, store in an airtight container or a re-sealable plastic bag.
Why this is a good option: The mix of unsalted nuts, dried fruit, and low sugar, low sodium (salt) cereal is a good snack that will keep you full and give you energy.
Choose a cereal that is low in