Halloween Toys vs. Candy

Which do children prefer? Children are just as likely to choose a toy as they are candy. In a study published in the Society for Nutrition Education Journal, children (ages 3-14) were offered one plate of Halloween toys and one plate of candy. The toys (which included stickers, rings, ghostly insects, and goblins) and candy had the same value. Nearly half the children chose the toys over the treats.

Here is a great Halloween shopping tip from Erin Marchefka, NDTR, of Cauliflower and Cupcakes: “If you like to hand out treats on Halloween, wait until the actual holiday to buy anything! It will reduce the temptation to snack in the days leading up to the big event.”

Choosing a Pumpkin

When selecting a pumpkin, choose one that is completely orange — a partially green pumpkin might not ripen any further.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients:

• Pumpkin seeds
• Olive oil
• Seasoning (such as natural herbs)

Directions:

1. Remove the seeds from the pumpkin and rinse.
2. Allow to dry, or dry with a hair dryer.
3. Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.
4. Mix the seeds, olive oil, and seasoning.
5. Spread the seeds on a baking sheet.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.

Pumpkin Banana Smoothie

(Makes two-8 oz. servings.)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lite maple syrup
• 1 /2 frozen banana (slice banana before freezing)

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a blender in the order stated. Blend until smooth (approximately 20 to 30 seconds).

(Recipe courtesy of Vera Bartasavich, M.Ed., NDTR, CHES, of Health Education 4U.)

Pumpkin Nutrient Information

Serving size: 1 cup (1″ cubes)

• Calories: 30
• Total Fat: 0.1g
• Sat. Fat: 0.1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1mg
• Total Carbs.: 7.5g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.6g
• Sugars: 1.6g
• Protein: 1.2g
• Calcium: 24.4mg
• Potassium: 394.4mg