halloween

You might want to think twice about ripping open that Milky Way candy bar on Halloween. Here are some interesting equivalents that will help you weigh out your decision before reaching for a sweet Halloween treat.

• Two fun-sized Snickers bars have 160 calories and take about four bites to scarf down. Yes, they contain peanuts, but not enough to give you a solid protein slug. You can eat 160 calories in one medium-sized apple and one leveled tablespoon of peanut butter.
  

With Halloween coming up this Friday, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about this holiday and provide a few tips. First off, candy (like most things) is OK in moderation, but it would probably be best for you and your waistline if you leave the eating candy in the bowl. However, since I am big on healthy nutrition being a lifestyle rather then a diet I think it would be beneficial for you and your children if you provided the neighborhood kids with some healthier Halloween treats. Below are a few fun healthy treats you may want to buy or make and hand out this Friday night.

The holiday that celebrates sugar is just a few short days away. As the temptation mounts each time we step foot into a grocery store to purchase (and indulge in) an 8-pound bag of Snickers, Milky Ways, Reese’s, lollipops and Starbursts, here are three surefire ways that will allow you to relish in the sweetness of this fun holiday, but not split the seams of your costume.

1. Plot Before You Shop

Before you step foot into the store, figure out how many bags of candy you will need, (not how many you want). And most importantly, don’t buy candy that you love. If you know that you have the capacity to lose all self-control around peanut M&Ms, do yourself a HUGE favor and opt for another choice instead. Select only the candy that you are not tempted by. If you’d prefer to eat steamed salmon and broccoli over Mounds or SweeTarts, then stock your grocery cart with just those items that won’t trigger the sugar addict in you. And remember, that kids don’t care: All they want is the treat whether it’s chocolate or SweeTarts.

This Halloween, send your trick-or-treaters out to gather their goodies with a healthy, hearty meal first. Halloween night can be hectic as you try to rush home from work, put together costumes and fix dinner. Don’t settle for an unhealthy option. Afterall, the kids are going to come home with literally buckets full of sugar-filled candy.

Chicken Chili – The chicken is a lean alternative to beef and you’ll get plenty of fiber and other nutrients from the kidney beans and vegetables. This recipe is just 2.5 Weight Watchers Points.

Barack Obama Chili - This recipe comes from the Democratic nominee’s personal recipe collection. He says he’s been making it since college and it’s always a hit with his family. Using lean turkey, this recipe has 291 Calories per serving.

If you’re looking for a silly dessert for a school Halloween party or your child’s Halloween party, and want to bypass filling them with sugar, we’ve got just the recipe for you. This wiggly treat is usually chock full of sugar, but when you follow these simple homemade recipes, you’ve got an even sweeter reason to make it.

1. For individual servings, use small paper or plastic party cups, or cupcake liners. For one single batch, place in a flower pot or kids sand bucket.

2. Fill about half full with Diabetic Pumpkin Pudding. This is a homemade pudding recipe that you’ll find to be irresistible during the fall season. It’s thick and creamy, and only has 123 Calories.