Halloween is just around the corner, and while it’s a time for spooky costumes and ghoulish decorations, it’s also common to indulge in delicious treats. Having some candy and sweets is perfectly fine, and we believe that by incorporating healthy, nutrient-dense foods, you can strike a balance without depriving yourself. In this blog post, we’ll explore some easy-to-prepare snacks that are healthy, affordable, and perfect for Halloween — and kid-friendly.
Spooky Fruit Kabobs
Turn ordinary fruit into a spooky delight by making fruit kabobs with a Halloween twist. All you need are wooden skewers and colorful fruits like strawberries, grapes, and melon. Use cookie cutters to create fruit shapes like ghosts and pumpkins to add a ghoulish touch. These kabobs are themed and fun, plus super nutritious and tasty. If you’d like to serve them with an easy and sweet fall-spiced yogurt dip, combine a cup of vanilla yogurt with a tablespoon or two of honey and a dash of cinnamon.
Veggie Skeleton
Get creative with veggies by assembling a spooky skeleton on a plate. Use celery sticks for the arms and legs, cherry tomatoes for the eyes, cucumber slices for the ribs, and baby carrots for the spine — or put your own spin on it. You can also include a bowl of hummus for added flavor and protein. This Halloween veggie platter is a fantastic way to encourage kids (and adults) to eat more vegetables while staying on-theme.
Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Transform bell peppers into adorable jack-o’-lanterns by carving faces into the peppers and filling them! You can opt for something more carb-dense by filling them with rice or another grain or adding ground meat for a protein boost. Stuffing peppers with beans is another cost-effective method that’s packed with nutrients. These stuffed peppers provide an excellent base recipe for the perfect filling and wholesome Halloween meal or appetizer.
Monster Smoothies
Create colorful and spooky monster smoothies by blending different fruits and vegetables with yogurt or your favorite milk alternative. Add a handful of spinach for a ghoulish green hue or some beets for a deep red color. Use cups with faces painted on them to give the drinks a Halloween flair — you can even check the dollar store for cups that are already printed and decorated. Kids will love these nutritious and fun drinks.
Mummy Pizzas
Turn mini whole-wheat pita bread into mummy pizzas by spreading a thin layer of tomato sauce and adding cheese strips to create the mummy’s “wrappings.” Use olives, cherry tomatoes, or diced veggies like bell peppers for the eyes. These mini pizzas are a healthier alternative to traditional pizza and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Get Creative with Fall Flavors
If none of these seem appealing to you, that’s totally fine! You can still experiment with tried and true fall flavors, like apple and pumpkin. These homemade muffins are budget-friendly and naturally sweetened with applesauce! Or if you prefer something savory, a hearty fall pasta or vegan chili can satisfy your cravings.
Contact Us with Your Nutritional Questions
This Halloween, you don’t have to sacrifice your health to enjoy tasty treats.
And year-round, our team at Community Access Network can help you meal plan to ensure you are meeting your health goals. And no matter what you eat, we hope you have a safe Halloween full of treats and no tricks!