Cooking with Karina: Treats Over Tricks This Halloween

Pumpkin Overnight Oats are a great breakfast on-the-go. (Photo: Karina Arnold) 

Karina Arnold is a sophomore at the University of Oklahoma who’s passionate about healthy cooking. She provides creative, healthy recipes and tips on clean eating.

When grappling with the decision “trick or treat,” most choose “treat” on Halloween night. Both children and adults mindlessly devour bags of “fun sized” candies. Eating candy in moderation is okay, but when explaining to a four-year-old that they need to eat their pile they stormed the streets for in moderation, you become a wicked witch. 

Sugar is addicting. According to a 2015 MIT News report, sugar “’hijacks’ the brain’s natural reward-processing center,” similar to addictive drugs. MD/PhD student Stephen Allsop and graduate student Edward Nieh tested sugar addictions effects on mice. Their findings revealed that mice with sugar addiction were more prone to overeating than mice without sugar addiction. 2012 UCLA study supports Allsop and Nieh’s findings by proving that sugar has detrimental effects on memory retention and can hinder your studies. To help moderate your intake, Houston nutritionist Dr. Fred Emmite suggests these 10 tips.

Pumpkin Muffins. (Photo: Karina Arnold)

But lets be honest, I love sugar and you probably do too. To satisfy my cravings, I substitute with healthier and more natural forms of sugar. These decadent dark chocolate Flourless Pumpkin Muffins are easy and extremely tasty. Munch on these muffins while sipping hot chocolate to enjoy a fall evening. For rushed mornings, I usually prepare these Pumpkin Overnight Oats, which keep me full and please my candy-coated cravings. For a more savory snack, grab a handful of these Roasted Pumpkin Spice Chickpeas. 

Don’t let sugar trick you into over treating yourself. Be mindful of sugar intake and look for healthier sugar substitutes. Healthy foods do not deprive you of your cravings, but rather satisfy while fueling your body properly. Do you have delicious fall treat ideas? Comment below! 

See more posts by Karina here.