Avoiding the Sugar Scaries can be tricky in October with so many temptations.
On Halloween, the average child consumes up to three cups (675 grams) of sugar. (The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar among children ages 2–18 years old to 25 grams per day.)
We can set kids up for success by preparing them for the big night. These “pre” trick or treating snacks are loaded with fiber and protein to help balance the elevation in glucose and keep their bellies full, making less room for excess treats.
No-Bake Monster Pita Pizza
- ¾ cup guacamole
- 4 6-inch whole wheat pitas
- 16 slices of cucumber, ¼ inch thick
- 4 sticks mozzarella string cheese, each cut into 12 rounds
- 1 Tbsp. cooked or canned black beans, halved
Spread 3 Tbsp. guacamole over each pita; top with four cucumber slices, 12 cheese slices and 12 bean halves, creating eyeballs by placing half a bean on each cheese slice and on cucumber slices. Cut into wedges, or serve whole.
Witchy Smoothie Bowl
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ frozen banana, sliced
- ½ cup whole-milk plain yogurt
- ¼ cup reduced-fat milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp. chia seeds, divided
- 1 strawberry
Puree first six items and 1 tsp. chia seeds until smooth. Pour into a bowl, and create the witch face by trimming the strawberry to look like a mouth and forming squinting eyes with the remaining 1/2 tsp. chia seeds.
Laurel Famigletti is an area resident and owner of EndorP.H.I.T, where she provides virtual group fitness classes, in-home personal training and virtual nutrition coaching.
