by Theresa Leschmann

Created on: May 18, 2009   Last Updated: May 22, 2009

Halloween is one of the times each year when people overindulge. With obesity rising in America, many people are looking for ways to cut calories and eat healthier diets even at Halloween. Healthy Halloween treats can keep you on track while maintaining the spirit of the holiday. Try some of the suggestions below to keep your Halloween healthier this year.

For Healthy Halloween Snacks and Parties

Pumpkin Seeds Save the seeds when you carve your jack-o-lantern. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Pour a tablespoon of vegetable oil on a cookie sheet and spread the seeds evenly in a single layer. For flavor interest, add seasonings like garlic powder, cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the seeds. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Store in an airtight container.

Raisins Plain or yogurt-covered, raisins can satisfy your sweet tooth. Yogurt-covered are available in flavors such as vanilla and chocolate. Uncoated raisins are available in the traditional flavor or in golden variety.

Trail Mix Store bought varieties are available in a wide range of ingredient combinations and serving sizes. You can make your own with a little creativity. Using a dry cereal like Chex or Cheerios as a base, add other ingredients according to your own tastes. Raisins and other fruits, dried banana chips, cheese crackers, pretzels, sunflower seeds, nuts and shredded coconut are among the common choices. Try different combinations to achieve the desired flavor effect such as tropical or fruity.

Squeamish Eye Balls Hard boil a dozen eggs and allow to cool. Peel and discard the shells. Slice the eggs in half along the length of the oval. Remove the yolks and place in a bowl. Mix in cup of low-fat mayonnaise and 3 tablespoons of mustard. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the yolk mixture into the hollows of the egg white. Use sliced green or black olives to create pupils on the yolks. Decorate with a little paprika to achieve a bloodshot look.

Halloween Gelatin Using the sugar-free variety, follow the package directions to prepare the gelatin. Place a few plastic spiders in the gelatin before it sets but be sure to warn your guests they aren't edible! Another option is to decorate the top of the cooled gelatin with a few sugar-free gummy worms for a low-calorie dessert.

Crescent Mummy-Dogs Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Open a tube of refrigerated crescent rolls. Separate the dough into 4 rectangles pressing the perforations to seal. Using a knife, slice each rectangle into ten pieces for a total of 40 strips. Slice 3 cheese slices into quarters. Wrap cheese slice and four strips of dough around a turkey hot dog to look like bandages, stretching to cover completely. About inch from one end of the hotdog, separate a space in the bandages for a face to show through. On an ungreased cookie sheet, place the hot dogs cheese side down. Spray the dough lightly with cooking spray and bake 13 to 17 minutes. Draw a face in the opening with mustard.

For the Healthy Halloween Trick-Or-Treaters

Most parents prefer their children only accept prepackaged treats. Healthy Halloween treat choices are available for treat-giving as well. Some options available in individual serving packages include:

Cheese and crackers packs

String cheese

Juice boxes

Raisins

Peanuts

Granola or cereal bars

Packets of instant cocoa or apple cider

Beef or turkey jerky

Applesauce or fruit cups

Sugar-free chewing gum

100-calorie packs of various products

The trick to keeping Halloween healthy is to remember to keep the treat simple and wholesome. Having a healthy Halloween can still be a magical and fun time. There is no rule that says the treats can't be healthy ones.

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