Trick kids into healthy treats

Halloween is all about the sugar rush! That means coming home with buckets of yummy chocolates, sour candies, finger-licking gummies and slurpy lollipops after trick-or-treating down the neighbourhood lane. While that sounds like a blast for children, parents are left biting their nails about the after-effects. Hyperactivity and sibling fights are just the tip of the iceberg. It's the impending doom like cavities and childhood obesity that truly strikes a chord. Having sweets is fine in moderation, but wiring kids to choose healthy alternatives as snacks is even better in the long-term. We've got just the trick.

Pumpkin muffins

Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense ingredient that has a swirling set of vitamins, ranging from As, Bs and E. Its blend of dietary fibres, anti-oxidants and other goodness aids in digestive health, better immunity and improves vision. The fruit of the season can also make its way into your child's treat bag in the form of muffins, or even pancakes! Prepare a batter with dark chocolate chips for enhanced taste, bake, cool then dress up them in cute bags and ribbons.

Boo meringues

Switch out spongey marshmallows for a firm and delicious meringue. Marshmallows are absolute favourite for those armed with a sweet tooth, but they are also a processed food, laden with excessive doses of sugar - a never-ending nightmare for the health-conscious. Instead, prep up little ghostly meringues as a party favour. These are easy to make - egg whites, cream of tartar and vanilla extract. Pipe them into shape and use black food gel to create expressions.

Jack O'ranges

Oranges come in sweet and tart varieties, and these fragrant juicy fruits are packed with vitamin C and A that aid in the maintenance of the immune system, regulate various functions of the body and contains fibre to promote healthy bowels. You can turn these into appealing treats by using a washable marker to draw a spooky Jack O' Lantern expression. You can also add freshly squeezed orange juice and other blends into small vials with eerie labels.

Go nuts (with a warning!)

If you're looking for a convenient solution and don't have the time to bake (or you're just not feeling it), you can prepare an assortment of nuts - almonds, unshelled pistachios, walnuts, cashews, pecans, macadamia, peanuts, etc. - as a quick healthy fix for that trick bag. Opt for the unsalted variety and add in a handful of pretzels and butter popcorn too! If you want to give the little ones a real treat, pick nuts that are coated in dark chocolate. However, keep in mind that some kids may be allergic to nuts, so do slip in a warning note to alert their parents.