Offering a nutritious dinner before sending your kids off for their Halloween festivities is one way to help them better manage the incoming candy haul. However, many parents might struggle to get their kids to eat regular foods on Halloween, simply because of the buzz around the candy and excitement about Trick or Treating.

What if my kids only want to eat candy?

Kids may be so focused on their candy and treats that it may be hard for them to be interested in eating anything else. As a parent, it’s important to maintain a neutral stance on Halloween candy. This holiday comes once a year, and if you demonize the treats they are excited about eating or too tightly control their candy, this can backfire and make them even more obsessive about it.

Providing regular and balanced meals throughout Holidays, like Halloween, can help them normalize candy and treats with other nutritious foods. The key is to focus on what you are providing and not overstep your boundary in the feeding relationship by forcing your child to eat certain foods, like vegetables.

Offering a meal that is higher in fiber, protein, and healthy fats can be helpful on a day where the treats are plentiful. Remember - this doesn’t mean you have to force, bribe, or trick your kids into eating foods that you feel are healthier for them, as this defeats the purpose.

If you’re looking for some fun, nutrient-dense foods to offer alongside Halloween candy for your kiddos, check out these ideas below! Remember that kids are usually so excited about Trick or Treating and getting Halloween candy that they might not be as willing to eat other foods, and that is okay.

Stick to your schedule, and try serving an earlier dinner, so there is plenty of time before the holiday festivities. A little creativity with a Halloween themed meal that includes finger foods can also make them more curious and interested about eating on this fun-filled night. Keep meal times low-pressured and let your child decide what they want to eat from what you have served.

Creepy Crudite Cups with Fresh Veggies and Dip - A creative way to offer fiber-rich veggies

Ingredients

• Clear Cups for Serving

• Dip, such as Hummus or Guacamole (To make things simpler, I use store bought!)

• Fresh Sliced Veggies, Cut into Strips (Cucumber, Carrots, Bell Pepper)

• Optional: Plastic Eyeballs or Toy Witches Fingers to create the “Creepy” element

Directions

1. Spoon dip into the bottom of serving cups

2. Arrange Vegetables Sticks in each cup

3. Garnish with a Creepy Toy if desired! (I put the toy on a bamboo stick and into the center of the cup)

Berry Boo Smoothies - This smoothie packs in nutrient dense berries and spinach along with healthy fats and protein

Spooky Spinach Dip with Veggie Chips - Avocados give this “spooky” dip it’s natural green color while offering plenty of healthy fats to keep little tummies satisfied. Using Greek Yogurt as a base also provides a full serving of protein!

Ingredients:

• 2 Large ripe Avocados

• 1 lb. bag of fresh baby spinach

• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil

• 2 scallions, chopped

• 2 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese, grated

• ¼ Cup Plain Greek Yogurt (I prefer whole fat)

• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 Tbsp soy sauce, reduced-sodium

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Fresh ground pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add fresh spinach leaves and cook for 3-4 minutes or until spinach has wilted down.

2. Transfer cooked spinach to a colander and drain extra water/oil from the spinach. Set aside to cool.

3. In a food processor, combine avocados, scallions, parmesan cheese, greek yogurt, lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, and pepper. Puree until smooth.

4. Add cooked and cooled spinach to puree mix and pulse until well incorporated

5. Keep refrigerated for a few hours until ready to serve. Offer this Spooky Spinach dip with your favorite vegetable chips.

Mummy Meatballs with Marinara Dips - This fun main course option gives a boost in protein and added vitamin C from the Marinara Dip

Ingredients:

• 24 Cooked Meatballs (Make your own or use store-bought frozen meatballs that have been thawed. Can also substitute with grass-fed beef hot dogs.)

• Whole-wheat pizza crust dough

• 6 in. Bamboo Skewers

• Jar of your favorite marinara sauce for serving

• 1 Tbsp butter, melted

• Candy Eyes

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Assemble meatballs by threading 3 per bamboo skewer. Set aside

3. Cut pizza dough into even strips that are about ½ inch wide. Wrap the dough strips around each meatball skewer, criss-crossing the dough to create a “mummy” appearance. Leave a small opening in the front of the top meatball to place the eyes.

4. Place meatball mummy skewers on prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until pizza dough is a golden brown.

5. Once removed from the oven, brush meatball mummies with melted butter and allow to cool. Add candy eyeballs in open space. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy!

DIY Deconstructed Caramel Apple Nacho Bar - This makes it easier for little hands to eat. Let kids create their own apple nacho plate!

Ingredients:

• Large Apples (Use a mixture of apples, such as granny smith, honey-crisp, etc)

• Fresh Lemon Juice

• Toppings of Choice, such as chocolate chips, nuts/seeds, coconut flakes, crushed graham crackers and/or pretzels, toffee, sprinkles, etc.

• Prepared caramel sauce in a squeeze bottle

• Prepared chocolate sauce in a squeeze bottle

Directions:

1. Using an apple slicer, slice each apple. Put slices into a bowl. Squeeze fresh lemon over apple slices to keep fresh and prevent browning

2. Assemble Apple Nacho Bar by putting out toppings in individual dishes, along with apple slices and caramel/chocolate slices

3. Let your guest create their own apple nachos, and enjoy!

No matter what you’re serving or how you celebrate, may you and your family enjoy the fun and memories together.

If you’re a parent or caregiver needing more support around how to help your kids manage their Halloween candy in a way that supports them in building a positive relationship with food, join me for my FREE upcoming webinar! I’ll be dishing out all the strategies you need to keep the sanity in your home this Halloween! 

What are your favorite Halloween dishes or treats that you enjoy with family or friends?