Here’s to a healthy Halloween

Tuesday, 26 October 2010 22:30

“When witches go riding,

and black cats are seen,

the moon laughs and whispers,

‘tis near Halloween”

— Unknown

Halloween is a wildly popular holiday and widely recognized as a grand occasion to gather and gorge on gobs and gobs of candy. From the molar melting sweetness of candy corn to dozens of diminutive and delicious candy bars, Halloween is prime time to indulge.

Indulgence can be a fine thing indeed. Life is for enjoying and seasonal treats should be savored.

Chocolate, in fact, has many healthful benefits. Organic dark chocolate with 65% or higher cacao content is a supremely satisfying treat. Chocolate originates as cacao, which is high in iron, calcium and potassium, as well as vitamins A, B, C, and D. High quality chocolate fills the mouth with fabulous flavor and encourages feelings of relaxation, expansiveness and comfort. The healthy nutrients in dark chocolate may also provide protection from heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer.

Overindulging in sugar consumption can result in mood swings, headaches, cravings and fatigue. Rather than always choosing treats that contain an excess of refined sugar, (also known as sucrose, corn syrup, dextrose, maltose, glucose or fructose), look for other sweetening options. Maple syrup, brown rice syrup, honey, molasses or stevia, are more natural alternatives for enjoying the sweetness of life.

Crisp, organic apples and succulent, juicy oranges are an excellent treat for costumed visitors, and provide a burst of vitamin C along with plenty of antioxidants. Popcorn is a tremendous source of energy producing carbohydrates, is full of fiber, is sugar free and low in calories.

Trick or treaters will enjoy a Halloween trail mix made up of popcorn, roasted pumpkin seeds, unsalted peanuts, dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries or blueberries and plenty of organic, dark chocolate chips.

Substitute low sugar cereal for the nuts and offer a nut-free version.

Happy Halloween and enjoy lots of luscious, healthy treats as part of a delicious, celebratory life!

Trick or Treat Trail Mix

1 cup roasted pumpkin seeds

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup roasted peanuts or almonds

1 cup cereal

1 cup pretzel sticks

1 cup organic dark chocolate chips

Mix it all up in a big bowl.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

2 cups raw pumpkin seeds

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 teaspoon sea salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, toss seeds with oil and salt, stirring to coat well. Spread the seeds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake until crisp and golden, 12 to 15 minutes.

Substitute olive oil and add dried rosemary and basil with the salt. Or add a little cayenne pepper.

Robin Glowa, HHC, AADP, is a food and wellness enthusiast who earned her certification in holistic health counseling from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and Columbia University Teachers College.

She specializes in teaching healthy cooking classes for children and adults, as well as cooking presentations and wellness workshops for many local organizations.

For more information go to theconsciouscook.net, call 203-393-1037, or http://confessionsofaconsciouscook.blogspot.com.

Cheap preparations can, advair online, Discounts and Bonuses. Online pharmacy, buy allegra online, low prices. Antibiotics as well as, allopurinol online, treatment Effectiveness.