Tag Archives: treat

Health(ier) Halloween Tips!!

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I hope you all enjoy these tips for making Halloween a bit healthier…

If you have any other ideas, please add them as comments under this post so others can benefit!!

FOR TRICK-OR-TREATERS
Instead of handing out candy and other processed junk to trick-or-treaters, try healthier alternatives like:

  • nuts/seeds/raisins or other dried fruits
  • miniature packs of Play-Doh, bubbles or crayons
  • silly putty
  • mini frisbees
  • rubber “bouncy” balls
  • mini yo-yos
  • temporary tattoos
  • glow-in-the-dark items
  • or other party favors

**Last year, we handed out “crazy” straws and “parachute dudes,” and they were a big hit!!!

If you want to be extra festive, look for Halloween-themed items like:

  • pencils
  • erasers
  • pencil toppers
  • stickers
  • balloons
  • plastic rings
  • bracelets
  • plastic figurines

Oriental Trading Company is a great source for these goodies! In Omaha, check out stores like Nobbies, the Dollar Store or Big Lots for bargains on these items.

TREATS FOR PARTIES (OR JUST A SNACK!)

Scary Cheese Fingers – “Kids love these scary Halloween Cheese Fingers. They’re easy to make, too.” Click here for instructions!

Melon Brain – “Made from nothing more than a small, round seedless watermelon, this spooky cerebral creation is bound to turn heads.” Click here for instructions!

Apple Bites – “These toothsome treats are a fun and healthy break from Halloween sweets.” Click here for instructions!

 A FEW MORE TIPS:

*Arrange a “Buy Out” – Allow your child to trick-or-treat, but then offer a pre-determined amount of money for each candy they will “sell” you. That way they can “earn” money to buy a toy or game they want! They won’t be eating so much junk, but they also won’t have to miss out on the fun with friends! It’s a “win-win” deal!

*Make sure your family eats sensibly throughout the rest of the year. This sets a good example that helps kids make wise decisions any time they are tempted to overindulge with unhealthy food choices.

*Remember, Halloween can still be fun for kids without being too unhealthy! It just takes extra planning and dedication on your part!

Chocolate Pudding Pops Recipe (dairy-free!)

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dairy-free-fudgsicle-with-banana.jpg

CHECK OUT OUR RECIPES PAGE FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES!!!

It’s rare that I “toot my own horn,” but this recipe ROCKS!!!

And, unlike many pudding recipes made from dairy….there’s no need to cook anything. Total score!

(Psst….If you enjoy this recipe,  be sure to get yourself a copy of our additive-free cookbook & grocery shopping guide, “Eating Additive-Free“! It’s stuffed with 150+ more tasty recipes!! Your satisfaction is guaranteed…or your money back!)

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/3 cup raw honey

3/4 cup + 2 TBSP water

1 large, ripe avocado (about 10 oz.)

2 ripe bananas (Note: These improve the texture of the pops without adding a detectable banana flavor!)

*Check out our Grocery Shopping Guide for our tips on selecting the most additive-free versions of every ingredient used in our recipes.

DIRECTIONS:

Place ingredients in a blender in the order listed above. Blend until smooth, stopping the blender a few times, as needed, to scrape down the sides with a spatula and/or to push the ingredients down into the blade.

Transfer to popsicle molds. Click here to see the ones I use. My molds each hold 1/2 cup, so this makes 5 fudgsicles in these molds.

Freeze for at least 8 hours.

Run mold under hot water until fudgsicle slides right out. Do not force it out or you’ll pull the stick right out of the popsicle…if this happens, the kids will be sad, but it’s not a total loss. Fill the stick hole with water and stick back in the freezer until frozen solid again 😉

Enjoy as a snack or a dessert. Heck, grab one for a quick breakfast – it’s a heck of a lot healthier than the breakfast cereals or PopTarts most kids are eating!!

(Psst….If you enjoy this recipe,  be sure to get yourself a copy of our additive-free cookbook & grocery shopping guide, “Eating Additive-Free“! It’s stuffed with 150+ more tasty recipes!! Your satisfaction is guaranteed…or your money back!)

CHECK OUT OUR RECIPES PAGE FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES!!!

 

 

 

Homemade “candy” with just ONE ingredient!

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Needless to say, candy is full of garbage!!! Dried fruit is a GREAT alternative; at least it contains some nutrients! And once you try this recipe, you’ll never buy those (yucky) banana chips at the store again! We love chowing on these while watching movies – you could even sneak your own into the theater to help you resist buying the processed junk they sell there!