I like candy corn and pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies as much as the next person. But our little trick-or-treaters are about to be bombarded with sweets. So if your child’s class is celebrating Halloween with a party, why not go easy on the treats? Many schools are now requesting healthier party snacks anyway.
Here are three ideas:
Green Goblin Smoothies
These super-sweet smoothies work especially well if there are dairy allergies in the class, since they contain only spinach and fruit. Using a high-powered blender, combine two large handfuls of spinach and 2 cups water and blend until spinach is completely pulverized. Then add 2 bananas and 2 cups of frozen fruit (such as peaches, pineapple, or mango) and blend until smooth.
(Note from Wendy: to any of you hesitating over the spinach ingredient - don't! You can hardly taste is, especially if bananas are used. My kids LOVE "green" smoothies and have for years. In fact, I wrote an article about popsicles last year - HERE. Try it, promise you'll like them!)
Silly Apple Spirals
I got this idea from a parent in my son’s class, who thought the kids would get a kick out of her old-fashioned apple peeler.
She was right! The kids lined up for their turn to peel and core an apple, then proudly brought an apple spiral back to their desks to eat.
Popcorn Goodie Bags
These were a huge hit in my child’s class: Stove-popped popcorn mixed with roasted pumpkin seeds (you can either roast your own from a fresh pumpkin or use raw pumpkin seeds)*. You can also toss a few pieces of candy corn into each bag for fun.
*To keep kids with food allergies safe, our school has a policy that all classroom snacks have to be cleared in advance with the school nurse. If your school doesn’t have a similar policy, be sure to check with teachers and parents about any food allergies.
Anyone have plans for healthier Halloween class party snacks? Please share them!
Sally Kuzemchak, MS, RD, is a Columbus mom, registered dietitian, freelance writer, educator, and mom of two who blogs at Real Mom Nutrition. She writes frequently about health and nutrition for consumer magazines such as Parents, Fitness, and Family Circle. You can also connect with her on her Facebook page HERE and Pinterest HERE, where you will also find many more holiday and Halloween-related healthier snack ideas.
