As a child with type 1 diabetes, I struggled to enjoy Halloween amid sugary treats and blood sugar management. Now, as both a parent and a coach for parents of children with diabetes, I've come up with nine creative Halloween diabetic treats to ensure a fun and festive Halloween celebration.
When I was younger with diabetes, I wanted to enjoy Halloween just like any other kid, but I found it difficult to find diabetic-friendly treats. The idea of managing blood sugar levels amidst a sea of sugary sweets was overwhelming!
"During trick-or-treating, I could only choose my top 3 sweets to eat for fear of my blood glucose going too high."
Thankfully, I discovered that there are countless tasty and imaginative alternatives that allow children with diabetes to embrace the Halloween season. I want to share with you my top nine favourite Halloween diabetic treats that are sure to add a pinch of magic to your Halloween celebration while keeping those glucose numbers in check.
Fruit Kebabs with Spooky Shapes
Transform fresh fruits like strawberries, melon, and grapes into spooky shapes using cookie cutters. Thread them onto skewers for a colourful and fun treat. Add some ghouly eyes to the fruit made out of white and dark chocolate. It's a healthy, low-sugar option that's perfect for Halloween parties.
Mummy Cheese Crackers
Create mummy-themed snacks by wrapping whole-grain crackers with thin slices of cheese. Use olive slices for eyes. You've got adorable mummy cheese crackers that are both cute and tasty.
Clementine Pumpkins
Add a small celery stick to the middle of a peeled clementine to recreate a pumpkin. Or decorate clementines by drawing jack-o'-lantern faces on them with edible markers. Kids will love peeling open these "pumpkins" to reveal the sweet, juicy citrus inside.
Trail Mix Potion
Create a Halloween-themed trail mix with a mix of nuts, seeds, and some dark chocolate chips. Feel free to add dried fruit or yogurt-covered raisins for a sweet twist. Portion control is key to managing blood sugar.
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Craft your own using dark chocolate and sugar substitutes like stevia or xylitol. Melt dark chocolate with a touch of coconut oil, pour it halfway into Halloween-themed silicone molds. Add sugar-free peanut butter mixed with a bit of coconut flour, then top with the remaining chocolate. Refrigerate for an hour. Customise with different nut/seed butters for a unique, guilt-free Halloween treat!
Veggie Skeleton Platter
Create a spooky skeleton veggie platter with sliced cucumbers, snap peas, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Serve it with pumpkin hummus or goblin guacamole for a healthier Halloween snack.
Batty French Toast
Use Halloween-shaped cookie cutters to transform wholemeal bread slices. Dip them in an egg, flaxseed, and cinnamon batter, then pan-fry until golden brown on both sides.
Baked Apple Rings
Slice apples into rings, sprinkle them with a mixture of cinnamon and a sugar substitute, and bake them until they're slightly crispy. These baked apple rings are a healthier alternative to traditional candied apples.
Monster Mouths
Craft hilarious Halloween monsters' mouths using green apple slices with a layer of peanut butter in between. Add slivered almonds or yogurt-covered raisins for teeth.
The average child consumes about three cups of sugar on Halloween so these low sugar treat options are a good alternative for any parent looking to be mindful of treat choices.
These Halloween diabetic treats bring an extra dash of joy to the festive celebration, and the best part is that they keep our blood sugar in check. Remeber to be mindful of portion size and their impact on blood sugar levels. For extra support, reach out to your child's healthcare provider for tips on managing diabetes during this spooktacular season.
There's more to Halloween than just treats!
Why not stir up some extra excitement by organising activities like costume contests, pumpkin decorating, a witchy walk, or a scary Halloween movie night? These fun activities not only keep the focus off sweets but also create memories and a more inclusive atmosphere.
Halloween doesn't have to be a scary time for kids with diabetes. With a little creativity, you can create an unforgettable Halloween experience filled with delicious and health-conscious diabetic treats. These options are not only kid-approved but also perfect for bringing a smile to their faces while keeping their blood sugar in check. So let the Halloween festivities begin, and make this season a memorable one, including those with diabetes.
Happy Halloween! 🎃👻🧡