Halloween is next week and that means the other holidays are right around the corner. This can present a challenge for those trying to stay on track with healthy goals.
Fortunately, holiday treats and dishes don’t have to be loaded with calories, fat and sugar. Sometimes, all it takes is a little dose of creativity to make healthier options seem more fun.
Try one of these ideas for your Halloween festivities:
- Make sweet potato pumpkin fries (pictured above). Cut a large sweet potato into slices, and press a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter into each slice. Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and place on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 425 degrees F. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or longer, depending on how crispy you want them. Keep a close eye on them as sweet potatoes burn easily. When they’re baked, sprinkle with cinnamon if you’d like.
- Liven up the usual vegetable tray by using a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter on bell peppers and cucumbers.
- Make a vegetable skeleton. Learn how by watching this video.
- If you’re craving chocolate, satisfy your sweet tooth with cocoa-roasted almonds.
- Serve “candy corn” for dessert—by layering orange slices and chopped pineapple in a glass and topping with light whipped topping.
Keep in mind that if you’re making healthy choices most of the time and staying active, it’s okay to indulge a little in your favorite Halloween staples (healthy or not). After all, a Halloween without any treats can be just plain scary.
