Try These Simple Sweets for Halloween!
Hey Boo-tiful! 👻
If you were like me as a kid, the real highlight of Halloween was about more than dressing up in a costume – it was the massive haul of candy! And snickers, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Skittles always topped my list of most treasured treats I’d find in my bag of goodies.
I still have a sweet tooth, but truth be told, in recent years as I've felt the difference in what I choose to put into my body and how it makes me feel, I’m more aware of how much sugar I consume. I now know too many late night sweets can even leave me feeling like I've got a sugar hangover the next day!
Can you relate?
Besides potentially making you feel unwell, regularly consuming too much sugar is linked to numerous health issues such as type 2 diabetes, excessive weight gain, and an increase in risk of a slew of medical conditions. And unfortunately, it’s just way too easy to over consume sugar as it is often added to a whole lot more than we’re aware of – from tomato sauce and condiments to low-fat yogurt, protein bars, and most packaged foods. Just check the labels; many of the foods we eat for convenience sake have hidden sugars galore!
Still, who says Halloween can’t keep some of its yummy sweet charm, without blowing past the WHO’s recommended daily sugar intake ( 25 grams) with massive processed sugar bombs ? In the name of preserving some of my favorite Halloween flavors, I’ve got three simple 4 ingredient or less, no-fuss, convenience-friendly recipes to satisfy!
1. Dark Chocolate Walnuts
Ingredients: Dark chocolate (cocoa solids 70% or higher), walnuts, sea salt flakes, orange zest (as per my goddaughter’s recommendation for adding that Halloween color!)
Benefits: Dark chocolate is packed with minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc which promote heart health. Walnuts provide omega-3 fats, good for your cardiovascular system.
Instructions: Melt chocolate and dip walnuts. Sprinkle with salt flakes and orange zest for a festive touch!
2. Banana Nut Butter Brownies
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, ½ cup unsweetened natural nut butter (almond or peanut butter work great!), ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Benefits: Bananas are high in potassium and fiber, while nut butter offers protein and healthy fats.
Instructions: Mash bananas, combine with nut butter and cocoa powder. Bake for 18-22 minutes at 350°F (180°C).
3. Greek Yogurt Blueberry Bites
Ingredients: Greek yogurt, blueberries, melted chocolate or peanut butter (optional)
Benefits: Greek yogurt is high in protein and calcium, supporting strong bones. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants.
Instructions: Mix yogurt and blueberries. Scoop onto parchment paper and freeze for at least 1 hour. Enjoy plain or dip in melted chocolate or peanut butter.
Sure not exactly the same, but with these previous 3 recipes I can still hit those Snickers, Reese's and Skittles cravings without the added sugars and long list of unpronounceable ingredients. And the best part is they usually satisfy me for way longer than anything that comes out of a wrapper!Could you see yourself giving any of these un-tricky treats a try? Let me know!
Don't forget that we will start celebrating Halloween next Saturday and for the following week of classes! Wear your black, orange or costumes to help spread the spirit!
Keep moving!
xx,
Katie
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