Healthy and Halloween are two words you wouldn’t normally see together – until now. As a health-conscious person, you may be wondering how you can combine this fun fall holiday with your values of a healthy and vibrant life. The purpose of this post is to help you with that!
Here you will find ideas for treats that you can serve to your family, friends and community that are not only delicious, but will also give you peace of mind knowing that you are offering a healthier alternative to the standard commercial alternatives. The options below are still treats, meant to be consumed in moderation, but you can rest assured that they are lower in sugar and free from the dyes, preservatives, corn syrup, and other inflammatory ingredients found in traditional Halloween candies. No sugar-crazed kids this year!
Hard candies and gummies
Hard candies and gummies are a great option for older children and adults. This Dandelion candy And this herbal multivitamin candy both contain mineral-rich herbs such as dandelion, alfalfa, rose hips, nettle leaf and turmeric. Each is sweetened with honey, which contains phytonutrients. This Elderberry lollipops are a good option to support the immune system.
If you’re feeling more creative, try it this recipe for herbal gummies as a starting point. You can choose your own herbal tea of choice based on taste preference and desired health benefits. Local honey sticks are another option that is easy and requires no preparation.
Fruit-based treats
Fruit-based treats are a healthy wholesome alternative to processed treats. You can prepare these ahead of time or make them with kids and party goers for a fun family activity. We love this one fruit bat skewers, banana ghosts and mandarin pumpkins, apple witch teethAnd watermelon Jack-O-Lanterns. For fruit-based treats that don’t require kitchen time, consider organic juice boxes and fruit leathers.
Savory delicacies
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider the following festive and fun recipes. These options are savory, scrumptious, and packed with healthy ingredients. Try this one Sweet Potato Jack-O-Lanterns, rosemary-roasted pepitas, fingers of root witchAnd rosemary and thyme spiced nuts.
Chocolate treats
Chocolate is a powerful superfood, rich in minerals and free radical scavengers, making it the perfect ingredient for healthier Halloween candy. Cacao, the base ingredient in chocolate, is associated with healthy blood pressure, insulin levels and vascular function. Anecdotally, chocolate is known to improve mood and support healthy cognitive function. For the greatest health benefits, choose dark chocolate, which contains higher concentrations of cocoa.
Dark chocolate on its own is a great option. If you want to get more creative, try this Ginger and coconut dark chocolate bark or experiment with it one of these herbal chocolate variations.
Have fun and above all be creative! Choose a few ideas from this list and make this Halloween fun, festive and healthy!
Writer Katie Gerber is a holistic health and nutrition coach who serves clients both locally and online. In 2014, she completed Aviva Romm’s Herbal Medicine for Women certification. After hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2014 and the Colorado Trail in 2016, Katie decided to use her knowledge of botanical medicine and nutrition to help fellow wilderness enthusiasts in their quest for more energy and better health. She transitioned from her career as a pastry chef and enrolled at the Institute for Transformational Nutrition. She now uses her lifelong passion for holistic health with her background in culinary arts to help people live healthier lives, in tune with nature. Katie writes for various publications and speaks at local events. When she’s not writing and working with clients, you’ll likely find her in the mountains, in the garden, or in the kitchen testing recipes. Read more about Katie, her articles and her adventures on her website.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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