There it sits. That bowl of candy corn on your coworker’s desk. Those mini chocolate bars in the break room. The treats your kids brought home. They’re everywhere, tempting you, calling your name. And sometimes, it really stinks to be the one who has to say no.
“Just one piece won’t hurt,” whispers that voice in your head. But you know better. You’ve worked too hard to feel good, to keep inflammation down, to have energy for the things that matter. Still, it’s tough watching everyone else dive into the candy.
Sound familiar?
I changed my diet one week before Thanksgiving, right after an MS attack. As I sat with my plain salad, watching everyone else enjoy their feast, I felt like crying. The entire holiday season was tough and depressing.
So if you’re feeling left out when it comes to eating treats, I know what you’re feeling.—I’ve been there. And no, you’re not being dramatic or silly for feeling sad about missing candy. It’s completely normal to want what you used to enjoy so freely.
Creating a healthy Halloween doesn’t mean giving up all the fun. Fortunately, you can make Halloween sweet in a different way. Being on a strict diet doesn’t mean you can’t satisfy those cravings. Plus, eating healthier treats you won’t have any next-day regrets.
This year, no guilt trips or complicated recipes. Just simple, delicious ways to enjoy this spooky season while keeping your taste buds happy. Because you deserve to have your treats and eat them too. Discover how to enjoy a healthy Halloween with MS through simple recipes, practical tips, and strategies that keep you feeling your best.
These healthy Halloween goodies aren’t just treats – they’re choices that help you feel your best.
Why These Choices Really Matter
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That candy bar? It’s not just about sugar. It’s about how your body feels tomorrow. And the next day. And maybe even the day after that.
When you have MS, some foods can make symptoms worse. Dairy products like milk chocolate often trigger flares. Even dark chocolate isn’t always a safe choice. While you’re working on healing, it’s best to skip the chocolate and choose treats that help your body feel better.
When you eat sugar and processed foods, your body fights back. It’s like throwing fuel on a fire that’s already burning – inflammation flares up. Chronic inflammation, including diet, causes multiple sclerosis (MS). What you put in your mouth matters. The diet and lifestyle decisions you make matter. Is that candy bar worth your health?
You know that foggy feeling in your brain? Those achy joints? That crushing fatigue that makes getting off the couch feel like climbing a mountain? Yeah, that’s inflammation talking.
But every time you choose not to eat that candy, you’re lowering inflammation. You’ll have more energy. Clearer thinking. Better sleep. Less pain. It’s like putting money in the bank – small deposits that add up to something big.
Sure, that chocolate might taste amazing for five minutes. But feeling good all day? Having the energy to play with your kids or take that walk around the block? That feels amazing for hours. Days, even.
Instead of craving sugary treats, think of it this way: you’re not giving up treats. You’re trading up for something better. Something that serves you, not just your taste buds. Because feeling good isn’t just nice – it’s everything. And you deserve to feel your best.
How did I get through that first holiday season? I kept reminding myself how I didn’t want another MS flare. Feeling better was the most important factor.
Below are some healthy Halloween goodies you can make in minutes.
5 Healthy Halloween Treats To Not Feel Guilty
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Who says treats can’t be good for you? These healthy Halloween goodies are so good, your family might ask for them year-round. Each recipe uses real, whole foods that help your body feel its best. Best part? They’re super easy to make!
1. Frozen Berry “Candy” Bites
Take fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries work great). Dip them in melted coconut butter. Place them on a parchment-lined tray. Pop them in the freezer for an hour. That’s it! You’ve got berry “candies” that burst with natural sweetness. Make extra – they keep well in the freezer for weeks.
2. Roasted Cinnamon Apple Chips
Slice apples paper-thin (a mandoline works best, but a sharp knife works too). Sprinkle with cinnamon. Lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake at 200°F for about 2 hours, flipping once. They’ll turn perfectly crispy and sweet. Store them in an airtight container for quick snacking.
Note: Recent testing found high levels of lead in many cinnamon brands. I threw my cinnamon out and bought 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Ground Cinnamon.
3. Sweet Potato Brownie Bites
First, peel a medium sweet potato and cut it into 1-inch chunks. Bake at 400°F for about 25 minutes, or until very soft when pierced with a fork. Let it cool completely. Mash with a fork until smooth – no lumps! Mix with 1/4 cup coconut flour, 1/4 cup carob powder (it’s naturally sweet!), a pinch of sea salt, and a splash of pure vanilla. Add pure maple syrup to taste. Roll into small balls. Pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes. These taste amazingly rich and fudgy!
Quick Tip: You can bake the sweet potato ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to make the treats.
4. Maple-Glazed Roasted Pear Slices
Cut pears into wedges. Drizzle with a tiny bit of pure maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Roast at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden and caramelized. They taste like candy but they’re just fruit! Eat them warm or cold.
5. Coconut Date Balls
Put soft dates and unsweetened shredded coconut in your food processor. Pulse until they form a sticky mix. Roll into small balls. Roll them in more coconut. Done! These taste like cookie dough but they’re just fruit and coconut.
Also, try my Cinnamon Delicata Squash.
Tips for Success:
- Make these treats in small batches
- Store them in plain sight – make it easy to grab the good stuff
- Freeze portions for later when cravings hit
- Get creative with spices like cinnamon, ginger, or vanilla to make them extra special
These recipes prove that a healthy Halloween can still be sweet and satisfying.
Remember: These aren’t “fake” treats or “diet” food. They’re real food that happens to be sweet and delicious. Your body will thank you for choosing treats that nourish instead of drain your energy. Plus, they’re so good, you might find yourself craving these instead of candy!
Making It Work in the Real World
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Be prepared! Because Halloween isn’t just one night – it’s bowls of candy everywhere you look. A healthy Halloween starts with having the right snacks ready before temptation hits. If you don’t include healthy options it will be too tempting to cheat. Here’s how to handle the tricky parts.
At Work
Keep your desk stocked with your own treats. Fill a pretty jar with those apple chips you made. Stash some frozen berry bites in the break room freezer. When everyone else reaches for chocolate, you’ll have something good waiting for you. Bonus: No one needs to know they’re “healthy” snacks. They’re just your special treats.
The Kids’ Candy Situation
You don’t have to be the candy police or feel guilty about not eating what your kids bring home. Try this instead: Set up a “trade-in” system. Let kids swap candy for things they really want – maybe a small toy, extra screen time, or a special outing. Some dentists even buy back Halloween candy! The less candy in the house, the easier it is for everyone.
Passing Out Candy
Here’s a brilliant trick – buy candy you don’t even like to hand out! Get those licorice twists that never tempted you anyway. Or those hard candies that aren’t your thing. I’ve never liked peanut butter candy so that’s what I use to pass out. The trick-or-treaters will be happy, and you won’t be fighting temptation. Smart, right?
Social Situations
Those Halloween parties and work events can be tricky. But you’ve got this. Eat before you go – when you’re not hungry, saying “no thanks” is easier. Bring one of your treats to share. Hold a drink in your hand (flavored water works great). And remember – you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your food choices.
Try my Pumpkin Pie Smoothie.
Quick Tip: Keep a few emergency snacks like a Larabar in your car, purse, or desk. When everyone else is diving into the candy bowl, you’ll have a backup. Because being prepared isn’t just about willpower – it’s about having better options ready when you need them.
You’ve Got This!
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Halloween doesn’t have to be a battle between what you want right now and what your body needs. You’re not missing out – you’re choosing to be healthy. Choosing energy, choosing feeling good, and choosing what works for you. Making healthy Halloween choices today means more good days ahead.
And hey, if you do grab a piece of candy? The world won’t end. One choice doesn’t erase all the good choices you’ve made. Tomorrow is a new day. What matters is what you do most of the time, so don’t beat yourself up if you slip.
But here’s the really cool part – you might find these new treats become your favorites. Your body might start craving those coconut date balls instead of store-bought candy. Your energy might feel so good that you wouldn’t trade it for all the candy corn in the world.
This Halloween isn’t about what you can’t have, it’s about choosing what makes you feel amazing. And that’s pretty sweet.
Have a Healthy and Happy Halloween! 🎃
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5 Simple and Healthy Halloween Goodies
