It should come as a shock to no one that my favorite holiday is HALLOWEEN!
Whether you’ve met me or not, you can probably tell that around this time of year, I cook, create and share a LOT more than usual. I just can’t help myself. I find it so fun and love sharing it with you guys!
Case in point: this morning, I spent a little extra time making my kids lunch extra spooky! It’s also vegan, gluten free, (nearly) nut free, super fun and tasty!
KIDS HALLOWEEN LUNCH:
- Jack-O-Lantern Sunbutter & Jam Sandwiches
- Green Bean Witch Fingers (with almond sliver “fingernails” – the only nut-containing item in this list)
- Pumpkin Clementines (with celery stems)
- Jack-O-Lantern Organic Peppers
- Bloody Beet Crackers (these are from Thrive… I have a discount for you!)
Every year I share many Halloween treat and meal ideas that are healthy but still fun and spook-tacular! But do you know WHY I do this?
I truly feel that celebrating holidays doesn’t mean people have to negatively impact their health. All the “traditional” foods and treats between Labor Day and New Years promote anything but “health.” And despite my love of all things Halloween, this spooky holiday is one of the worst offenders. The emphasis on candy & sugar is really unhealthy. Sugar – especially the white, processed kind – leads to weight gain and diabetes. And it doesn’t stop there. The artificial dyes are linked to ADHD-like behavior and even the non-candy treats are highly processed and just empty calories.
Is it any coincidence that cold and flu season starts around Halloween and goes thought the winter holidays? Yes, the weather is colder and drier and we are indoors more. But we also just gave every kid an extra handicap of a weakened immune system, poorer concentration and impaired overall health. Just one teaspoon of sugar can suppress immune system function for hours!
So what can we do about it?
Well, I think a great start is redirecting the holiday to healthier choices in a fun & festive way! (Like I’ve been sharing about all week on my social media & blog). Another suggestion is to supplement with natural immune-boosters.
For my kiddos (and myself), I increase our intake of supplements like these as we enter fall:
And yes, I occasionally give them some of my Organifi green juice and Immunity blend (honestly they ask for it when they see me drinking it. Use code ABBY for 15% off!). I also load them up on natural vitamins from fruits & veggies and I always make sure they have a healthy meal, loaded with veggies before trick or treating or any parties. This ensures they get in the good stuff (greens, veggies, fruits – vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy and their immune system strong), it lessens the sugar crash and they will naturally eat less candy or junk food.
And for more Halloween dinner, snack and dessert ideas, check out my blog!
As always I love to hear what you think so let me know in the comments below.
If you make any of my spooky recipes, please be sure to post and tag me so I can see! 🙂
Happy Halloweeeennnn!!!
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