What Will You Do With All That Halloween Candy?

Amidst all the fun and festivities of Halloween comes some stress. 
No, not the stress of finding Halloween costumes. Stress in the form of nutritional toxicity! Each year, we are inundated with Halloween candy and junk galore as our wee ones are given every Halloween "treat" imaginable.

Back in the day, I can remember receiving chocolate bars, Rice Krispies treats, brownies and licorice. Every once in awhile, a neighbor would throw in an apple or an orange, just to really send us kids over the edge! These days, I can't even imagine what frightening ghouls live inside those candy wrappers - " highly toxic things like high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners and colors, trans fats, hydrogenated oils, excitotoxins/neurotoxins and all sorts of chemical concoctions.
Gone are the days when sugar was the worst thing that could happen to a kid!
Our kids have not yet even ventured into the world of Trick-or-Treating. I'm not saying they won't at some point in their childhood! I've just been able to side-step and downplay the issue thus far. It helps that no one goes trick-or-treating in or neighborhood, so it's not in their faces!

That's not to say my children don't end up with their fair share of Halloween candy. Grown-ups find a way to get candy to children at Halloween, no matter what!
We normally attend a party or two to enjoy the costumes and festivities with friends. Lots of "treats" at the party to sample, as well as the always-present goodie bag to take home.
So how do we deal with all the toxicity in our family, and keep the potentially negative side of Halloween to a minimum?
1) We don't call candy or junk food a "treat". We call them "tasty toxins" - tells you exactly what you need to know! Sure, it tastes great, but it's toxic. Why would we call something a treat if it subtracts from our health? Sounds kind of funny to knock on someone's door on Halloween night and say "Trick-or-Tasty Toxin" though!
2) Like any other time of the year, tasty toxins are limited. First, all toxins are handed over to mom and dad for proper care and feeding! Depending on the size and toxicity level of the tasty toxin, as well as the current state of health of toxin consumers, we may say they can have one per day for a few days following Halloween maybe more, maybe less. Depends.
3) I try to steer our kids in the direction of sweets that were made in someone's kitchen rather than in a chemistry lab. No, they don't build health either, but it's probable they don't move us away from health as quickly as the serious toxins in packaged foods. On our end, I'll either bake less toxic sweets and/or purchase simple goodies that lack the serious aforementioned offenders that are the most harmful to our health.

4) They must fill up with Health FIRST. Every other meal and snack throughout the day needs to meet the innate genetic nutritional requirements for health: protein, healthy fats & oils, fresh fiber (veggies & fruit) and lots of pure water. In other words, if they're going to be adding any increased amount of toxins to their diet for a few days, they need to keep things clean and healthy otherwise. If not, the body will always let us know when it has reached its limitations!

5) Finally, we give the kids the option to turn their Halloween loot in for a gift from The Halloween Fairy. After they select one "must-have" item from their goodie bags, they simply hand over the Halloween candy for mom and dad to put out for the Halloween Fairy that night. The Halloween Fairy in turn leaves the kids a special gift they've been wishing for - a special experience with mom & dad, a toy, a book, a game, craft stuff, whatever works!
It's a win-win. No overloading on toxicity, therefore no "sick" kids for days to come. The kids are happy because they were still able to enjoy the spirit of Halloween, sample some of the traditional toxins, and they got something new and fun!

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Festive pumpkin workout helps get you in shape before Halloween

Pumpkins Seeds Roasted - Healthy and Delicious!

Pumpkin Seeds also called Pepitas, have been used in North America for centuries as food and medicine. Each year we carve up our pumpkins but how many of us roast the seeds? They make such a good snack and are so healthy!

Since pumpkins are gourds they have components which can aid in prostate, urinary tract health, brain function, and may help to prevent some cancers.
Pepitas are also packed full of nutrients such as zinc, phosporous, some iron, manganese and magnesium, which can help keep the skin healthy, make hair grow better and stronger.

They also contain tryptophan, Omega 3 fats, amino acids and vitamin K. Omega 3 fats are vital to the health of cell membranes and are beneficial in helping to protect us from possible major threats to our health.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds are delicious BUT, in order to keep their essential oils intact it is best to roast them at low temperatures.
Recipe:
Seeds from a pumpkin (de-slimed, rinsed and patted dry) 1-2 tsp Kosher salt 1-2 tbsp canola or olive oil large zip-lock bag cookie sheet tin foil* (optional)

1. Put clean pumpkin seeds into a large Ziplock bag.
2. Pour oil into the bag and seal shut - Shake the bag till all the seeds are coated
3. Spread the seeds onto a cookie sheet (I cover mine in tinfoil for easier clean up and to help keep the seeds from burning)
4. Sprinkle with the Kosher salt (I like Kosher salt because it tastes so good) 5. Put in oven and roast at: 165 degrees for 15-20 minutes for the healthiest version 400 degrees for 8 - 10 minutes for the less health-filled but crunchy yummy version.

*many people feel that cooking food with aluminum foil is unhealthy

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Pumpkin Soup Recipe - The Taste of Halloween Spirit

BOO! Pumpkin soup is one way to enjoy Halloween before it's actually here. I'll be celebrating part of my Holiday a little early this year and if you would care to join me then I can offer you my Pumpkin Soup Recipe to get you started. The only thing I can't bring you is the scare this year, unless of course your scared to make this soup with me?

Nope, I didn't think so. Just gonna have to wait till Halloween for that.

Enjoy your new Pumpkin Soup Recipe and the rest of Halloween please.

If you plan on using a fresh pumpkin like I do and recommend, there are a few things you should know first. If you want to use the canned pumpkin puree, then that's fine but fresh is best. 

Make sure to use a pie pumpkin NOT a jack o lantern pumpkin.
Pie pumpkins are small, sweeter and not as grainy.
When choosing a pumpkin look for one that is firm with no soft spots and is a nice orange color.
A fresh pumpkin should be washed first. So wash the exterior with warm water.
Cut the pumpkin in half with a serrated knife and De-seed the pumpkin, remove and throw out all the guts, you can save the seeds for roasting.
Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees, place the 2 halves in a baking dish skin side up add enough water in the pumpkin itself to fill it half way and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until it's soft enough to remove the flesh from the skin.
To save some time you can microwave the pumpkin in microwave dish with a lid, just add about a cup of water to dish and microwave on high for 20-30 minutes.
Now scoop out the flesh from the skin it should be fairly easy.
Use a blender to puree the pumpkin and now you are ready to make this pumpkin soup recipe.
1 (2 pound) Pie Pumpkin or 2 cans Pumpkin Puree
4 Cups Chicken Stock
1 1/2 Cups Heavy Cream
1/2 Cup Chopped onion
1 Teaspoon Minced Garlic Cloves
4 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
1/4 teaspoon Fresh Grated Ginger
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/8 teaspoon Ground Cloves
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
3/4 teaspoon Curry Powder
3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
1 teaspoon Salt
1. In a large pot saute' butter, onions and garlic on medium heat until translucent, about 4 minutes. 
2. Add chicken stock and simmer for 15 minutes. 
3. Add ground cloves, cinnamon, curry powder, black pepper, ginger and brown sugar. Simmer 5 minutes. 
4. Add maple syrup, vanilla extract, heavy cream and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes and enjoy a touch of Halloween with delicious soup recipes that are right under your fingertips.


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3 EASY & HEALTHY PUMPKIN RECIPES

Pumpkin Ice Cream Dessert | Fall Treat Ideas

This Halloween Goodie Actually Helps You Lose Weight! Plus, 3 Tips For A Healthier Holiday

As Halloween approaches, we conjure up images of candy, candy, and more candy. But amidst this holiday of sugary snacks, there is a healthy treat you can dish up that actually helps you lose weight. This delectable treat is proudly displayed in most homes, yet often unseen. This treat is frequently discarded while carving the annual Jack-o-lantern. Have you guessed it yet?

It's the pumpkin seed! Pumpkin seeds provide more magnesium than virtually any other food. Magnesium is an essential mineral that is depleted by stress. Not surprisingly, deficiency is very common. Low magnesium levels contribute to a multitude of health problems including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Asthma, High Blood Pressure, Heart Failure, Heart Attacks, Childhood Behavioral Disorders, Tooth Decay, Anxiety, Depression, Irritability, Muscle Spasms, Restless Leg Syndroe, and Obesity. Magnesium is also known to protect the brain from the toxic effects of heavy metals such as lead or mercury.

So before you throw away those Halloween pumpkins, scoop out the seeds, roast them in the oven, and share them with your loved ones. Pumpkin seeds are a great addition to granola or your morning cereal. I keep a jar in my refrigerator and add them to my yogurt each morning.
If you are concerned about any of the medical conditions listed above and aren't overjoyed at the prospect of eating pumpkin seeds, you can obtain magnesium from other food sources such as green, leafy vegetables. (Although the pumpkin seeds far exceed other food sources in quantity of magnesium.) Another way to obtain this nutrient, which is one of the most frequent nutrient deficiencies in Americans, is to take a relaxing bath in Epsom salts, which contain magnesium.

(Remember that many medications such as nitroglycerine, estrogen, and nicotine are administered in patches because the skin absorbs the substance and deposits it into the blood stream for use within the body) If you prefer supplements, try magnesium citrate, which is easier to absorb than other forms of magnesium. Too much magnesium is rarely dangerous; it causes loose bowel movements.
Aside from eating pumpkin seeds, there is another tip to keep your health, and the health of your family, in check during this inherently unhealthy holiday. As a mother, I am aware that convincing children to forego the candy they have collected may not be realistic. Rather, here is a simple way to minimize the negative health effects of candy: simply allow children (or yourself) to eat a limited quantity, but only after consuming a high fiber meal or snack first. This strategy will help prevent the insulin surges that are associated with sugary foods and lead to a host of illnesses.

Having children wash their treats down with water rather than sugary juices or soft drinks is another simple way to minimize their impact on health.
So to insure a healthier Halloween, remember to save those pumpkin seeds, eat a healthy meal before indulging in those tasty treats, and wash them down with water.

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