Healthy Halloween Recipes
It is that time of the year again… endless chocolate, candy, cupcakes and cocktails. Plus some serious pressure to look good in barely there Halloween costumes. Sugar and tiny sexy costumes don’t make a good combo. Besides all the extra calories, sugar tends to create bloating, adversely effect skin (pimples anyone?), and increase water retention. So unless you are planning on wearing a full coverage ghost costume, it is a good idea to stock up on healthy fiber and protein rich guilt-free treats. Who said that you have to deprive yourself?!
Here are some of my favorite Halloween recipes:
1. Chocolate Almond Joy Bars. Everything on Elana’s site is sugar and gluten free. Her favorite baking ingredients such as
Chocolate Almond Joy Bars
almond flour and coconut flour do not compare to other gluten free flours (even those that are whole grain). Almonds are a superfood, high in protein, fiber and good fat. Coconut flour is wonderful as well, given its incredibly high fiber content. There are plenty of healthy candy and cake recipes on Elana’s blog but these Chocolate Almond Joy bars got my special attention. Who doesn’t like the combination of coconut, chocolate and almonds?!
2. Chocolate Cardamom Coconut Bars from Naomi Devlin, a homeopath and nutritionist from the UK. She has gluten intolerance but instead of crying over it, she coaches people through the process of healing their gut and leading a healthy lifestyle. Here is how Naomi describes her chocolate creation: They are sweetened with mineral rich dates, full of fibre from the almonds, rich in calcium from the carob and bound with antimicrobal coconut oil – a great fat to eat before or after exercise as it is very easily used by the body as a fuel source. A must try!
3. Chocolate Raspberry Cookie Bars from Kelly at The Spunky Coconut who helped her family heal by eliminating gluten, sugar, and dairy from the kitchen. She proves once again that having food sensitivities doesn’t mean depriving yourself! Check out her website for great inspiration recipes!
4. Captain Jack’s Chocolate Run and Raisin Cookies from Diane at the Whole Gang. These cookies look amazing. Once you
Chocolate Rum Raisin Cookies
see all the ingredients, you won’t be able to resist! Chocolate, rum soaked raisins, and such a sexy name! Make sure you invite someone in a pirate costume, hopefully someone who looks as sexy as Johny Depp :).
5. Vegan and GF Brownie from Angela at Oh She Glows. Brownies can turn any day into a holiday, especially if you feel good after eating them. These GF version is certainly easy to digest than regular pre-packaged brownies. These brownies also passed a blind taste test that Angela conducted on her husband. Men approved!
6. Healthy Pumpkin Oat Cookies from Crazy Sexy Life by Elizabeth Ryder. Easy, traditional and delicious!
7. Karina’s Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Icing. These moist and tender gluten-free cupcake beauties have just the right balance of pumpkin and sweetness, ginger and cinnamon. They’re not too spicy. And they’re dairy-free. The recipe also has vegan and nut-free options. By the way, while you check out Karina’s take on pumpkin cupcakes, browse through some of her writing as well. It is very inspirational!
8. An unusual Pumpkin, Squash, or Cashew Bake from SusanV at Fat Free Vegan. Satisfying fiber-rich homely family-style dessert. I would splash some coconut milk on it and have it for breakfast too:).
9. Averie’s Raw Vegan Chocolate Coconut Snow Balls. A great snack/dessert that takes just a few minutes to whip up. That’s a great last minute recipe if you have guest coming over for tea.
Ayurvedic Bliss Balls
10. Cranberry Bliss Balls from Chopra Center is a delicious, ayurvedic alternative to holiday desserts laden with fat, processed flour, and sugar, try this recipe for bliss balls. Containing just a few ingredients, these bite-sized balls get their sweet flavor and satisfying richness from healthy nuts, dried fruit, and other natural ingredients. Bliss balls require no cooking and are easy to make. They are ideal for potluck parties and holiday gifts; simply arrange on a pretty platter or tin, wrap in cellophane, and tie with a ribbon.
All these treats, bars, and candies are healthier than their store-bought chemical-filled alternatives but they are still very concentrated sources of sugars and calories. We, humans, love the sweet taste and can easily overeat it if not mindful.
