Do you have a sweet tooth?  From time to time, I need my candy fix.  My weakness is taffy or anything chocolate.  Typically, I do not give into temptation; however, this is the time of orange and black, not to be mistaken with “Orange is the New Black,” but this is the season where there is no shortage of candy.  As orange and black themed packaging overloads the aisles of many stores, offices, and homes, there is temptation everywhere.  According to the National Retail Foundation, Americans purchase about 600 million pounds of candy each year for Halloween, which is equivalent to the weight of 6 Titanic ships.  The average of American households will spend $47 on Halloween candy.  So where does all that candy go?  Well, the average American will eat 3.4 pounds of candy over Halloween.  The consumption of this much candy is not good for your teeth or waistline, as most candies are high in added calories, sugar and fat.

Whether or not this is the one time out of the year you indulge in sweets as you pick your favorites from your child’s plastic pumpkin or from the desks of your co-workers, you do have options to make a healthier choice.  Here are a few popular Halloween candies that have been deemed a healthier or better option compared to their sweet counterparts.

Better Candy Choices

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups vs. Snickers
Better Choice: Snickers

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups has more protein, but compared to two fun size pieces of Snickers, Snickers contain less total fat, saturated fat, and 10 less calories.

Peanut M&M’s vs. Skittles
Better Choice: Peanut M&M’s

A snack size bag of Skittles contains 61 calories.  Though the same size bag of Peanut M&M’s contains more calories, 91 calories, it is lower on the glycemic index, and will release sugars slower into the bloodstream; whereas Skittles will spike your blood sugars at an increased rate.

Twix vs. Kit Kat
Better Choice: Kit Kat

A Kit Kat has 20 less calories, and less saturated fat and sodium.

Candy Corn vs. Tootsie Roll
Better Choice: It’s a tie.

Candy corn one of the most popular candy choices during Halloween, there is even a day designated to it; October 30th is National Candy Corn Day.  However, Tootsie Rolls and candy corn have the same nutritional value if you were to consume 26 pieces of candy corn or 6 pieces of the bite sized Tootsie Rolls.

Butterfinger or York Peppermint Pattie
Better Choice: York Peppermint Pattie

For three fun size York Peppermint Patties, it contains 150 calories, 3 grams of fat and 15 miligrams of sodium.  Two fun size Butterfinger bars contains 200 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 100 milligrams of sodium.

Starburst or Jolly Rancher
Better Choice: Jolly Rancher

Consuming three pieces of Starburst candies has fewer calories compared to a Jolly Rancher.  However, since Jolly Ranchers are hard candies it takes longer to finish, and you will be less likely to eat more. 

Sweet Tarts or Smarties
Better Choice: Smarties

Do you sometimes think who eats Smarties?  I know I do, and now you know why.  For an individual roll of Smarties it contains 25 calories, and 5 grams of sugar.  As for Sweet Tarts, it contains 50 calories and 13 grams of sugar for 8 pieces.

Pay Day vs. Milky Way
Better Choice: Milky Way

In two fun-size pieces of Milky Way, it contains 50% less fat and sodium.

Almond Joy vs. Mounds
Better Choice: Another tie.

It’s a tie between the two.  For each fund size Mounds and Almond Joy, they both contain about 80 calories, have equal amounts of fat, 4.5 grams, saturated fat, 3 grams, and carbohydrates, 10 grams.

While the average amount of candy consumed is more than three pounds during Halloween, just remember moderation is important.  You can curb your sweet tooth with juicy fruit, low-fat yogurt with honey, or dark chocolate if you need a chocolate kick.

Looking for some fun Halloween treats and cocktails for your next holiday bash? Halloween usually aims to satisfy your sweet tooth, but before you go to the store and splurge on all the candy and chocolates, try some of these delectable, lighter party treats and cocktails that won’t leave your party guests looking and feeling like little jack-o-lanterns later.

Halloween Treats

Candy Corn Quesadillas

A simple, flavorful, and fun Halloween treat perfect for party guests! First, preheat oven to350 degrees. Cut 12 corn or whole wheat tortillas in a triangle, leaving the bottom uncut and round (to resemble the shape of a candy corn). In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of salsa and 3 tablespoons of (low-fat) sour cream together. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of diced roasted chicken, 1½ tablespoons of chopped green chilies, and the salsa/sour cream mix. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spoon 1/3 cup of chicken mixture onto tortilla and place corresponding tortilla on top. Place sliced cheeses on top to resemble candy corn pathttern with a white cheese at the tip (Monterey Jack or White Cheddar), dark orange cheese in e middle (mild or sharp Cheddar), and light orange cheese at the bottom rounded edge (Tillamook). Place the 6 quesadillas in the oven and bake until cheese is melted (about 5 minutes). Remove from oven, trim any extra cheese if desired, and serve.

Mummy Dogs

Try these mummified hot dogs that are sure to please and easy to make. All you need is 1 can of refrigerated crescent  dinner rolls for every 8 large hot dogs (try soy dogs or a low-fat, low-sodium chicken sausage for a healthier choice).  Cut each triangle in narrow strips of dough (strips should be a quarter of an inch in width) and wrap strips around the hot dog, starting at the base. When you reach the top of the hot dog, leave a separation for the mummy’s face. Place on ungreased cookie sheet or pan and bake for 12-15 minutes or until dough is light golden brown. Cool for 2 minutes and use a toothpick dipped in mustard (or another favorite condiment) to form two eyes. Dig in and enjoy!

(Party tip: try cutting dogs in half or use cocktail sausages for a mini-mummy party treat!)

Snack-O-Lantern Fruit Cups 

Slice off the top of a navel orange and hollow out the interior by scooping out the orange segments. Carve a pumpkin face on one side of the orange and repeat for other oranges. Dice up your favorite fruit (including the orange segments) and fill each cup. Set the lid back on top and serve.

Frozen Boo-Nana Pops

Although this is made with white chocolate (only half an ounce each pop), it’s much healthier than candy, andcertainly a frozen Halloween snack for all to enjoy! For an even healthier version, you can substitute white chocolate for yogurt. All you need is 1 medium banana, 1 cup white chocolate (or yogurt), 8 mini chocolate chips (for the eyes), and 4 popsicle sticks. Cut eat each banana in half lengthwise, then in half to make 4 quarters to yield 4 boo-nana pops. Insert popsicle sticks into bananas and freeze on a wax paper lined cookie sheet prior to dipping in melted chocolate (easy way is to microwave chocolate in coffee mug for 30 seconds at a time, stirring until chocolate is soft and melted). Add chocolate chips for the eyes before chocolate hardens.

Witch’s Broom

For this fun easy snack, you will need 12 slices of your favorite cheese, 12 pretzel sticks and 12 fresh chives. Fold eachcheese slice and cut the fringes of the broom using a pair of scissors. Roll the slice of cheese around the pretzel stick so that the fringes are hanging down like a broom. To keep the cheese in place, wrap the chive around the stick and tie it. Simple as that, enjoy!

Halloween Cocktails

Who says Halloween is just for the kids? Try these fun Halloween Cocktails for your next costume party!

La Llorona (The Weeping Woman) Martini:

One of these intoxicating drinks contains 3 ounces of Pisco Brandy, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar, crushed ice, dash of Angostoria bitters, and dry ice for the spooky effect of wispy smoke that emulates the long, flowing gown worn by La Llorona. In a cocktail shaker filled with crushed ice, combine brandy, juices and sugar. Cover and shake vigorously for 15 seconds and strain into a cocktail glass. Top with a few drops of bitters and add dry ice.

(Note: Dry ice is safe to use in drinks, but be sure to wait for the ice to melt before actually drinking it as it can burn your skin).

Caramel Apple Punch:

All you need for this drink version of a tasty treat include the following – 1 quart of chilled apple cider, 1¼ cup spiced rum, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 1 red apple, thinly sliced. I a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the cider, rum, and lemon juice and chill for up to 12 hours. Serve over ice and garnish with the apple slices.

Pumpkin Martini:

Try this delectable drink for your next party mixer. Combine 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice on a small plate. Dip the rim of a chilled martini glass in water, then in the sugar mix to coat. In a martini shaker filled with ice, combine 3 tablespoons of vodka, 2 tablespoons of half and half, 1 tablespoon of canned pure pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, ¼ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 1/8 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Shake vigorously and then strain into prepared martini glass.

Vampire Punch: 

This sweet-tart drink will be sure to pack a punch at your next Halloween bash. Combine ¼ cup sugar and ¼ cup water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until sugar is completely dissolved, usually in 1-2 minutes. Let it cool. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine ½ cup Campari, ½ cup of gin, ½ cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice, and the sugar-water mix. Chill for up to 12 hours. Just before serving, add 3 cups of chilled club soda, ½ cup of pomegranate seeds and 1 thinly sliced orange. Serve over ice.

Dark and Spooky:

Fill a glass with ice and pour ½ cup of ginger beer and 2 teaspoons of fresh lime juice. Float 3 tablespoons of dark rum onto the ginger beer by slowly pouring the rum over a metal spoon turned upside down. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy the deep, intense flavors of this dark and spooky cocktail.

*Please drink responsibly.

Halloween is a festive holiday that parents can enjoy with their kids, but it can be challenging to assure healthy eating habits since the goal of most children is to get as much Halloween candy as possible. Don’t wait until this time of year to prepare the family for resisting the sweet temptations of this holiday. If you and the family try to eat healthfully all year, kids will be more likely to make wise decisions when faced with the temptation to overindulge in unhealthy foods. Help kids enjoy Halloween without overindulging by following these tips:

1)      Do not send your children trick-or-treating on an empty stomach. Serve them a healthy meal beforehand to help reduce the urge to snack.

2)      Give children trick-or-treat bags that are appropriate for their size. Older kids may carry larger bags, but not as large as a shopping bag or plastic garbage bag. Smaller bags take a shorter amount of time to fill and also give them the impression that they have lots of treats to choose from in comparison to filling up a much larger bag.

3)      Limit the houses your children can visit to a two to three block radius so that treats will most likely come from friends and neighbors, and the moderate amount of treats will be manageable.

4)      Instruct children to wait until they get home to eat their treats so that they can be inspected first. This way, you can manage which treats you want available to them and throw away any treats with signs of tampering.

5)      Promote good health by passing out a variety of fun, non-candy alternatives (or lower calorie, healthy alternatives) to trick-or-treaters at your house this year.

Not sure what healthy dishes to serve while upholding the Halloween spirit? Try some of these fun, nutritious Halloween treats for the whole family to enjoy!

1)      No-bones-about-it vegetable skeleton. Create a spooky skeleton with different veggies such as carrots, celery, colorful bell peppers, and cucumbers, while using hummus dip for the face. Vegetables come in so many shapes and sizes so they make the perfect building blocks. Have fun and be creative!

2)      Jack-o-latern dip. Carve out a small pumpkin or orange to use as dip containers for hummus, salsa, or yogurt-based dips. Paint a face on the pumpkin instead of cutting holes.

3)      Black & orange dip. Serve black bean dip served with sweet potato chips/fries or orange bell pepper strips.

4)      Brains! Carve a small, seedless melon (watermelon or cantaloupe) to resemble brains. Cut the outer skin of the melon, leaving the white pith. Cut through the white pith with a knife to resemble the brain’s squiggly folds. Then carve to expose a little of the flesh (works well with a watermelon to expose red-colored flesh).

5)      Boo-nanas. Dip peeled bananas in orange juice, then roll in shredded coconut to make white ghosts. Add small raisins or chocolate chips for eyes, then insert a wooden craft stick for a handle (so the ghosts can float about hauntingly). Serve as is or frozen.

6)      Witches teeth. Core and quarter an apple. Remove the wedge from the skin side of each quarter to form a mouth. Insert variously shaped and sized slivered almonds for teeth.