Five Hallowe’en Treats That Won’t Trick Your Jean Size

Hallowe’en is just around the corner and it’s one of our favourite holidays here at Her.ie. Not only is it the time of year to get creative with our costumes, it’s also the perfect opportunity to indulge in some tasty treats. This year we’ve decided to take a healthier approach to our snacking and we’ve come up with some less calorific concoctions for you to enjoy. So whether you’re having a horror flick session with your housemates, throwing a ghoulish gathering for your friends or simply stocking up on some festive treats for your own little devils, why not keep these tasty ideas in mind: The apple of our eye Ditch the sugar-laden toffee apples this Hallowe’en and get down and dirty with a good auld game of apple bobbing with your friends. You know the drill; grab a big basin, fill it with water and start bobbing for some mouth-watering Granny Smiths. Take turns to see how many apples you can retrieve, and, in the interest of hygiene, maybe ask anyone with the sniffles to sit this one out! Quit monkeying around Monkey nuts mightn’t come top of the wish list for most trick-or-treaters but they’re a Hallowe’en staple and we’ll inevitably pick up a packet (or three) on the way to the checkout at some point this week. While the calorie count won’t terrify you (each 25g portion of monkey nuts contains 135 calories), there are some even healthier nut options to be found in the snack aisle. Almonds, for example, are among the world’s healthiest foods and crammed with minerals, protein and fibre. Not only that but they also make for a delicious treat. Life is like a box of chocolates We’ve all got chocolate cravings to satisfy, particularly during Hallowe’en, so this year instead of reaching for that bar of Dairy Milk we’re going to stock up on some cocoa powder. A hot chocolate is the perfect way to get that sweet flavour you’re looking for and also warm you up on a chilly October evening. And if you’re feeling like an extra treat, just add some marshmallows on top! I’m gonna pop some corn Popcorn is another Hallowe’en favourite and of course the perfect accompaniment to a marathon of scary movies. But instead of tucking into a bag of microwave popcorn, why not make like Drew Barrymore in Scream and pop your own kernels this year? High in fibre, low in calories and containing protein and iron, this crunchy snack is loaded with health benefits. If the pumpkin fits.. Don’t forget that pumpkins can be used for more than just decorative purposes during the Hallowe’en season. Take advantage of the plentiful supply in your local supermarket and start flexing those culinary muscles in the kitchen. From delicious soups and dips to roasties and pies, pumpkins can provide the perfect base for endless healthy treats this spooky season.