Let’s face it: Halloween is all about the costumes and the candy! If you’re old enough to attend that midnight screening of The Rocky Horror Picture show, you’re probably more interested in finding the perfect costume than scoring the biggest haul of snack-sized candy bars. You know better than to indulge in a sack of candy corn and Tootsie Rolls, but you may not realize how Halloween fare can come back to haunt you on November 1st.
The danger zone
At the bar
Whether you’re among the millions of Americans who make Halloween the tenth busiest night of the year for bars or just attend a house party, we can guarantee you’ll see spirits on the 31st.
What to avoid:
- most mixed drinks
- punch
- beer
- carbonated beverages
What’s safe:
Hard liquor (vodka, whiskey, tequila)
DietDoctor.com‘s Low Carb Liquor chart lists the carbs in popular alcoholic drinks:
At the buffet:
There will be creepy fingers made out of strangely colored marshmallow and pounds of crushed Oreo ‘dirt,’ but you can manage to survive Halloween party ‘cuisine.’ Here are some tips:
What to avoid:
- artificially colored foods
- processed foods (salty snacks, deli meats)
- protein-protein and/or protein-fruit combos
- foods high in (more than one-third of your daily allotment of) carbs
- dairy (limit the number of servings from the cheese tray)
- fermented foods (such as pickles or sauerkraut) unless they’re already part of your diet
If you’re hosting, have we got great news for you!
As Halloween has evolved into a celebration for kids and adults, it has generated a niche industry powered by celebrity chefs, retailers and bloggers. CupOfJo.com and Low Carb, So Simple have some of the most creative, visually inviting Halloween ideas on the web. We’re sure that these and the others in our round-up will please you and your guests!
Low-Carb Buffet Options
Fountain Avenue Kitchen – Spooky Spaghetti Stuffed Peppers
Reduce the carb content by stuffing the peppers with spaghetti (or your other favorite) squash. If you choose a substitute, be prepared to julienne/carve spirals.
Once Upon A Cutting Board – Pumpkin, Chicken, & Goat Cheese Quesadillas (for Halloween!)
These quesadillas are tummy- and tastebud-friendly.
Tastes Better from Scratch – Mini Halloween Pizzas
Paleo dieters are all about swapping the traditional pizza crust with either a cauliflower or portobello mushroom upgrade, but the serving is so small that you might be able to indulge in the classic.
Peas and Carrots – Spooky Halloween Monster Mash Soup
This soup is served with a pair of floating rice ‘eyes.’ Give this great idea a little grown-up flair by plating individual servings of the soup in shot- or old-fashioned glasses. You can make the eyes a bit scarier (and add a some flavor) by dusting the circumference with powdered paprika, chile or cayenne. Cut the carbs by serving riced cauliflower.
All Day I Dream About Food – Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles
You won’t mind passing on the supermarket candy after you’ve tasted these little gems.
Low-Carb Bar Options
The Rogue Cookie – Batty Bloody Mary
Don’t undo your efforts to eat healthy foods with a cup of punch or a beer. Opt for this cocktail, wine, or order whiskey (or other strong spirit).
LowCarbSoSimple has some great ‘mocktail’ recipes
You’ll also find inspiration in one of our previous blog posts: A New Twist on Holiday Cocktails. Decorate the Cran-Raspberry martini with a Halloween-themed stirrer or serve it in a holiday and you’ve got a drink fit for Dracula.
It’s possible to have a great time and party responsibly. If you’re irresistibly drawn to the smoking punchbowl, limit yourself to a one glass. Try to eat dinner before heading out and remember to alternate each drink with a glass of water. However, if some mystery ingredient causes gas pressure and bloating, two CharcoCaps® capsules will get you back in the holiday spirit in no time!
CharcoCaps® dietary supplement relieves gas and bloating FAST!* Enjoy your favorite foods without worry! *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Sources:
It’s possible to have a great time and party responsibly. If you’re irresistibly drawn to the smoking punchbowl, limit yourself to a one glass. Try to eat dinner before heading out and remember to alternate each drink with a glass of water. However, if some mystery ingredient causes gas and bloating, two CharcoCaps® capsules will get you back in the holiday spirit in no time!
CharcoCaps® dietary supplement relieves gas and bloating FAST!* Enjoy your favorite foods without worry! *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Sources:
http://cupofjo.com/2016/10/halloween-dinner-ideas/
http://www.thedailymeal.com/drink/10-busiest-nights-year-bars-slideshow/sli…
http://www.healthfulpursuit.com/roundup/keto-halloween-recipes/
http://www.lowcarbsosimple.com/fascinating-low-carb-recipes-halloween/
https://charcocaps.wpengine.com/blog/2015/12/14/general/a-new-twist-on-holiday-co…
http://fountainavenuekitchen.com/spooky-spaghetti-stuffed-peppers/
http://www.onceuponacuttingboard.com/2013/10/pumpkin-chicken-goat-cheese-qu…
http://damndelicious.net/2016/07/13/best-cauliflower-pizza-crust/