Two Healthy Halloween Treats

Halloween treats tend to be loaded with sugar and dozens of unnecessary ingredients, so this year I’m sharing two of my favorite (healthy) halloween treats!

Bonus… your little ones will love making these with you!

TANGERINE PUMPKINS

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 organic tangerines

• 2 sticks of organic celery (with leaves)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Peel the tangerine, and remove all of the white inner membrane of the peel that you can.

2. Wash an dry the celery, then cut into 2 inch narrow pieces.

3. Place celery inside the peeled tangerines.

4. Use the celery tops as decor, arrange them on the tangerine to look like pumpkin leaves.

BANANA GHOSTS

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 bananas

• 3/4 cup vanilla yogurt

• 12 mini chocolate kisses

• 6 wood popsicle sticks

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place wax paper over a baking pan. 

2. Peel bananas and cut them in half lengthwise.

3. Insert a popsicle stick into the cut end of each banana, pushing it halfway up.

4. Place the vanilla yogurt in a bowl. 

5. Hold the pops by the wooden stick, and roll each banana in the yogurt to fully coat the outside. 

6. Allow excess to drip back into the bowl.

7. Add 2 mini chocolate kisses to the top of your ghost (push pointy end of kisses into banana) - this will make the eyes of the ghost.

8. Lay all bananas on baking pan, and place in the freezer for 3 hours to allow them to fully firm up.

9. Remove the pops from the freezer, and use a butter knife to remove from the wax paper if needed. 

10. Serve right away!

Peanuts!!

Peanuts are a super affordable - and highly nutritious - snack!

They are a wonderful source of vegan protein, and contain about 26 grams of protein per 100 grams (4oz or 2/3 cup). Peanuts are packed with vitamins and minerals, and are especially high in B-vitamins, potassium, phosphorous and magnesium. 

Peanuts are a great source of healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats), which can be helpful in lowering your cholesterol and preventing a stroke and heart disease. 

This tiny nut is also packed full of fiber, which is why it can be helpful in weight loss.  (just watch your portion)

I always recommend that my clients eat a healthy balance of healthy fats, fiber and protein in order to keep them full and help them reach their goals - peanuts are an excellent source of all three! 

Did you know that peanuts contain resveratrol? Which happens to be the same powerful antioxidant that is in red wine, that’s right! Resveratrol helps with blood flow and can be helpful in stroke prevention.

Not sold on peanuts yet…no problem. Did you know that peanuts have the ability to increase your libido due to the high amounts of L-arginine in them?

Not all peanuts are created equal… and it’s best to find roasted peanuts, preferably unsalted, especially if you are concerned about heart disease. You can find all kinds of varieties in the store from chocolate covered,  honey roasted and even wasabi dusted, I believe simple is always best!

During quarantine I have been leaving a small bowl out in my office for my husband and I to snack on a few days per week. It’s the perfect afternoon snack to keep us fueled up and focused. 

Energy Boosting Afternoon Snacks

In need of an afternoon pick me up?

These snacks are sure to boost your energy and power you through your workday.

Hummus filled deviled eggs

Roasted Chickpeas

Matcha green tea

Mango with chia seeds sprinkled on top

Grilled shrimp

Homemade trail mix

Fast Food

It’s time to start rethinking fast food. We have become so dependent on eating quickly, eating in our cars, on planes - taking everything to go. In our fast paced lifestyles it is easy to forget quality of ingredients and we forgo healthier alternatives in lieu of a quick fix.

I love the concept of fast food, quick and easy food on the run. Fast food allows us to grab a quick coffee, a short lunch, or an after school treat on the way to the kid's game. However, it’s time we start redefining fast food. Fast food options do not need to sacrifice quality, locally sourced ingredients. We can have quick and healthy meals.

Choosing foods that are bioavailable; easy for our bodies to recognize, breakdown and utilize is the goal. Even in these times of desperation, when we feel we would settle for almost anything, it’s important to pause and figure out what the healthiest, cleanest option would be for our body. Which option is not only going to satisfy your hunger, but boost and sustain your energy, and help you reach you goals.

We live in a time where there are several healthy fast food options. Delicious Raw is one of my top picks for fast food restaurants in Florida. Offering quick and easy meal or snack options you can eat in shop or take with you. Whether it’s a cold pressed juice and a peanut butter fantasy bar to your kid's soccer game, or grabbing a Maca Bullet coffee and an acai bowl on your way into the office.

No time to stop? No problem. Pack a cooler in your car with meals, treats and drinks for the day! On my busy days you will typically see a cooler in my front seat packed full of fresh pressed juices, hummus, raw vegetables, and RX Bars. I always have snacks on hand in case I get into a bind, and do not have time for a ‘real’ lunch. Mornings can get crazy and hectic, especially if you have children, so I suggest packing the cooler at night before bed and leaving it in the fridge.

For more snack ideas check out our Instagram and Facebook page.