Healthier Halloween Tips

Last week on Kasa News, I talked about some Healthy Halloween Tips.  I wanted to share those tips with you this week on my blog! 

Tips for a Sweet and Healthy Halloween

Halloween can be a “tricky” time of year! All of our favorite candies, chocolates, and sweets turn into fun-sized and fun-themed halloween treats.  And if you’re anything like me, you’ll think to yourself, “I’ll just have one..” and then before you know it, the bowl of candy magically disappears!  

The truth is, indulging a little bit isn’t going to kill you but if you’re trying to avoid a sugar relapse (like myself) here are a few tips to having a healthier, happier, halloween! 

1. Out of sight, out of mind (Pre-Halloween)

Try to avoid purchasing your halloween candy until the day of to avoid temptation. 

2. Be the unique house and hand out healthier treats (Halloween Day)

I am very much a “Monkey see, Monkey eat” kind of person.  I’ll eat whatever is in my house even when I try to hide the bad things!  This is why I try to keep my pantry and fridge free of any temptations.  Don’t set yourself up for failure by stocking your house with all of your favorite candies for trick or treaters. 

Healthier ideas: 

Apple sauce squeezers 

Single serve pack of nuts 

Granola bars 

Trail Mix 

Single serve pack of raisins 

Pretzels 

Popcorn 

Small boxes of cereal 

You could also hand out items other than candy such as: 

halloween themed pencils

erasers

stickers

tattoos

glow sticks

play-doh 

false teeth 

bubbles 

tiny decks of cards 

In a day & age where there are so many food allergies, it may not be a bad idea to hand out something other than candy anyways.  

3. Don’t skip any meals the day of (Halloween Day)

The worst thing you can do is not eat at all, thinking your going to save your calories for your big halloween party or for when you come home from trick or treating with the family.  It’s better to stick to your regular routine and fill up on healthy calories to avoid over indulging on candy.  

4. Out of sight out of mind (Post Halloween) 

It’s the day after halloween and you have enough candy to last you through May of the next year.  GET RID OF IT!  Here are a few ideas: 

Pay it forward!
"Just one little thing.  Sometime all it takes to brighten another persons day is JUST ONE LITTLE THING.  It doesn't have to be spectacular.  It doesn't have to be expensive.  It just has to be thoughtful or kind."

Separate the collected candy into small ziplock bags and hand the bags out to people you pass on the street 

Or you can freeze it and only take out a few pieces at a time

5. Halloween Detox 

Maybe you over did it… don’t beat yourself up! One day isn’t going to cause you to gain everything back.  You need to focus on getting back into the mental game of eating healthy… which is the hardest part! Try doing a post halloween 1 day juice detox, filled with fresh fruits and vegetables! 

If you would like the recipe to the healthier pumpkin spice latte I talked about on Kasa News 
CLICK HERE. 

Wishing you a happy & healthy Halloween!
Xoxo,
Ashley

Fall Quinoa Salad

I made this  fall salad earlier this week and I can't stop eating it! 

I love quinoa! There are so many different things you can do with it AND you can make a big batch that will last you all week.  I have to keep healthy foods in my fridge that are ready to go, in order to stay on track with my diet.  

This quinoa salad is one of my favs & it's suppeerrr easy to make!

Cranberry Pecan Quinoa Salad 

Ingredients: 

1 Box of Quinoa 

4 cups Vegetable Broth 

Dried or Fresh Cranberries 

1/2 Cup of Pecans or Walnuts 

1/2 cup Green Onions 

Sea Salt to Taste 

Black Pepper to Taste

(optional) Feel free to add chopped or shredded chicken 

Directions: 

Follow directions on box of quinoa.  Typically you'll use 2 cups of liquid per 1 cup of quinoa.  I like to replace the water (what the box calls for)  with vegetable broth for more flavor.  I usually cook an entire box of quinoa at one time, which comes out to two cups of quinoa and I'll use 4 cups of vegetable broth.  

Cook the quinoa in a large pot over medium heat for 15 minutes or until done. 

While the quinoa is cooking, chop up your green onions and nuts.  Place in a bowl with the cranberries.  Once your quinoa is done, add in the cranberries, onions, and pecans.  Add salt and pepper. 

Serve chilled or at room temperature!

I personally think this salad tastes even better after it's been in the fridge for a couple hours or served the next day.  The holidays are right around the corner and this fall salad makes for a fantastic side dish! 

This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and vegan (without chicken) 

Wishing you a happy and healthy fall! 

XoXo 

Ashley 

Healthier Pumpkin Spice Latte

So... there's no denying the fact that I love PSL season however, when I looked up the nutrition information of the beloved drink, it was a complete and total buzzkill.  In fact, I haven't been able to order one since then.  So, I decided to make my own healthy fall drink.  One that I didn't feel so guilty indulging in! 

Starbucks Nutritional Info

No. Thank. You.

                        

Healthier Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan Friendly 

1 serving 

Ingredients:

1 cup of almond or coconut milk 

1 tbsp pumpkin puree 

3-5 drops of vanilla 

1 tsp of cinnamon 

pinch of nutmeg 

pinch of ground ginger 

3/4 cup of coffee 

Directions:

Place the milk and pumpkin in a small pot or pan, over medium heat.  Stir constantly until the mixture starts to simmer.  Add in the vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.  Whisk until frothy.  

Place coffee in large mug, pour heated pumpkin mixture on top & enjoy! 

By the way, this drink is only 55 calories and has less than 10 carbs per serving! 

XoXo, 

Ashley