Everyone deserves to satisfy their sweet-tooth every once in a while — and Halloween is the perfect opportunity! Seniors who may have certain dietary restrictions, but still want to participate in Halloween festivities don’t have to feel left out! Here are some alternatives to tempting Halloween confectionaries!

Unsweetened Applesauce

Unsweetened applesauce doesn’t mean it’s a boring treat. As a matter of fact, Halloween is the perfect time for a spoonful or two of this notable comfort food. Add a dash of some cinnamon or sprinkle in some almonds for a more than delicious snack! Applesauce also has quite a few nutritional benefits, including:

• Fiber
• Low in fat and calories
• High in dietary fiber
• Vitamin C

Pretzels

Another popular snack is pretzels. When eaten in moderation, it’s certainly a better alternative to candy, chocolate bars filled with caramel and other high-sugar ingredients. Pretzels are low in unsaturated fat, so go ahead and grab a handful! Eat with a piece of fresh fruit or low-fat cheese to turn up the taste a notch!

Raisins

Raisins are sweet, plump, and delicious! Eating a small, single serving box contains about 100 calories and are packed with fiber to boot! Here are some other healthy reasons for seniors to choose raisins over Halloween candy:

• Iron
• Calcium
• Boron
• Antioxidants
• Antimicrobial compounds

Trail Mix

The combination of nuts, dried fruit, and seeds makes trail mix a party pleaser. While trail mix is full of protein and vitamins, it’s still important to watch your portions. An even healthier alternative is to make your own trail mix. Here are some suggested ingredients that your favorite senior will love!

• Soy nuts
• Puffed rice
• Cheerios
• Dried bananas
• Dried apples
• Pumpkin seeds

The Arbors Assisted Living community encourages and supports healthy eating habits and food choices for our senior residents. We provide a variety of nutritious meals that foster a healthful lifestyle. Contact us to learn more!