Happy Halloween!
I love this holiday and it isn't just because there is extra chocolate lying around! I love being creative, dressing up and going to parties ain't so bad either.
Holidays and parties are a great time to practice having a few bites of things, enjoying and loving them and not letting ourselves feel guilty!
Try to avoid black and white thinking of "these are bad foods" and "I shouldn't have them". This can lead to feeling deprived or deprived, or can lead to overindulging.
It's okay to have some unhealthy foods!
Healthy eating is all about balance.
Try to eat something healthy throughout the day before the party.
I'm not telling you to eat donuts daily, but special occasions or when you really crave it, those are the moments to have it and LOVE it, then move on. Don't let your mind tell you that you did something wrong.
This year, I had the amazing pleasure of making a few fun appetizers for a friends party and here is a little sneak into what Pinterest inspired me to make!
I love this holiday and it isn't just because there is extra chocolate lying around! I love being creative, dressing up and going to parties ain't so bad either.
Holidays and parties are a great time to practice having a few bites of things, enjoying and loving them and not letting ourselves feel guilty!
Try to avoid black and white thinking of "these are bad foods" and "I shouldn't have them". This can lead to feeling deprived or deprived, or can lead to overindulging.
It's okay to have some unhealthy foods!
Healthy eating is all about balance.
Try to eat something healthy throughout the day before the party.
I'm not telling you to eat donuts daily, but special occasions or when you really crave it, those are the moments to have it and LOVE it, then move on. Don't let your mind tell you that you did something wrong.
This year, I had the amazing pleasure of making a few fun appetizers for a friends party and here is a little sneak into what Pinterest inspired me to make!
1. To the left, we have donuts, with plastic vampire teeth and M&M's as eyes. Easy as can be! Yes, a dietitian provided donuts for people. The horror!
2. In the middle, an easy veggie tray (which I shockingly didn't actually prepare - thanks to my awesome party host, Bobbie Lynn, for doing that! Made festive with plastic spider rings all over.
3. Spinach dip - I used a jar of Tostino's Creamy Spinach Dip, mostly because it was easy. You can use any dip you have - look for one lower in fat, low in sodium and try to find one with ingredients you can pronounce. Trader Joe's makes an awesome dip, or you can find one online - like Skinny Mom's Skinny Spinach & Artichoke Dip. I'm sure you've seen it on Pinterest before...Place it in front of a pumpkin with a mouth, and you have a funny dip, like I did below, with more spider rings!
2. In the middle, an easy veggie tray (which I shockingly didn't actually prepare - thanks to my awesome party host, Bobbie Lynn, for doing that! Made festive with plastic spider rings all over.
3. Spinach dip - I used a jar of Tostino's Creamy Spinach Dip, mostly because it was easy. You can use any dip you have - look for one lower in fat, low in sodium and try to find one with ingredients you can pronounce. Trader Joe's makes an awesome dip, or you can find one online - like Skinny Mom's Skinny Spinach & Artichoke Dip. I'm sure you've seen it on Pinterest before...Place it in front of a pumpkin with a mouth, and you have a funny dip, like I did below, with more spider rings!
We also had some cheese and pepperoni, placed inside a skeleton with crackers.
Last, but certainly not least, My Graveyard Taco Dip (photo below)
1. First layer: Low sodium Amy's Vegetarian Refried Beans. Warm in microwave for 45 seconds and spread across bottom.
2. Second layer: Combine 3/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp cream cheese and 2 tsp taco seasoning. Spread over refried beans.
3. Third layer: Add about 1 cup salsa of your choice!
4. Fourth layer: Top with shredded iceberg lettuce.
5. Using flour tortillas, cut graveyard shapes. Place in 350 degree oven for about 5-10 minutes or until golden brown. Using an edible food dye marker, or black icing, write RIP on a few.
6. Serve with toppings on the side: I served shredded cheddar cheese, chopped tomatoes, sliced jalapeño and black olives.
1. First layer: Low sodium Amy's Vegetarian Refried Beans. Warm in microwave for 45 seconds and spread across bottom.
2. Second layer: Combine 3/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp cream cheese and 2 tsp taco seasoning. Spread over refried beans.
3. Third layer: Add about 1 cup salsa of your choice!
4. Fourth layer: Top with shredded iceberg lettuce.
5. Using flour tortillas, cut graveyard shapes. Place in 350 degree oven for about 5-10 minutes or until golden brown. Using an edible food dye marker, or black icing, write RIP on a few.
6. Serve with toppings on the side: I served shredded cheddar cheese, chopped tomatoes, sliced jalapeño and black olives.
There you have it! It was delicious, fun to make and FESTIVE!
Now that the parties are over, it's time to make some fun and healthy Halloween inspired foods!
Here is a list of a few from fellow RD's and food bloggers!
1. Skyr Filled Jack O'Lantern Oranges by @Kathysiegelrdn
2. Mummy Pretzel Pops by @Erinpalinskiwade
3. Spooky Halloween Treats by @TheFoodiePhysician
4. Apple Mummies by @Twohealthykitchens
5. Fun and Healthy Halloween Recipes - by @Kissinthekitchn
6. Boo-berry Snack Balls by @Realmomnutrition
Now that the parties are over, it's time to make some fun and healthy Halloween inspired foods!
Here is a list of a few from fellow RD's and food bloggers!
1. Skyr Filled Jack O'Lantern Oranges by @Kathysiegelrdn
2. Mummy Pretzel Pops by @Erinpalinskiwade
3. Spooky Halloween Treats by @TheFoodiePhysician
4. Apple Mummies by @Twohealthykitchens
5. Fun and Healthy Halloween Recipes - by @Kissinthekitchn
6. Boo-berry Snack Balls by @Realmomnutrition
There you have it!
Hope you all have a FANTASTIC and FUN holiday!
Lots of LOVE,
Eva
