Cooking with Karina: Spooky Snacks

Karina Arnold created a low-cal sweet treat, perfect for Halloween. She made Candy Berries and mixed in popcorn and dark chocolate almonds. (Photo: Karina Arnold) 

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

It is one day away. One day left until little knuckles come knocking on your door. One day left to snag bags of candy from the supermarket. One day left to perfect your face paint and make sure the costume still fits. One day left until the spooky, candy massacre known as Halloween.

As a child, Halloween involved copious amounts of strategizing. My best friend and brothers and I would map out the houses we wanted to trick or treat at. We tested out our candy buckets for candy-holding strength. We slathered our war (face) paint and suited up in our costumes. With our glow sticks cracked and bellies rumbling for sweets, we hit the streets.

As mentioned in my past Halloween Article, sugar is addictive. Consuming too much sugar can lead to hyper-active brain activity and detrimental effects on memory retention. When I try to read the ingredients of an average candy bar, I feel like I am reading a foreign language. The most common ingredients I read are corn syrup, saccharin, aspartame, pectin, and gelatin or gum bases. Furthermore, many candy bars are two servings, which is misleading when the bar is individually wrapped to look like one bar is one serving. Some candy bars brag about how they are lower in calories; however, not all calories are created equal. Factory-made candies often use “0-calorie” processed sugars that your body does not recognize nor know how to digest. You are better off sticking to higher-calorie candies made with whole, comprehendible ingredients.

When looking at candy nutrition labels or labels in general, stick to what you know. Pick products that use products you do not have to ask Siri what it is. Rather than wrestling for the last bag of candy at the store on Halloween day, make these 1-ingredient Candy Berries. I guarantee you will know all of the ingredients. I love dried strawberries and candied nuts as a candy alternative. I would rather have the actual fruit with natural sugars over artificial flavors and processed syrups. While you are hitting the streets for trick or treats, stuff your pockets with these berries mixed into a trail mix. I added dark chocolate almonds and popcorn to my mix!

My older self loves clean-eating candies; however, younger Karina would be less appreciative. I am glad I got my candy fix as a child and I still enjoy candy now. But as I get older, my taste-buds and cravings change. I no longer crave candy bars nor do I binge on candy during the Halloween hype. Don’t cut out, just substitute and enjoy. What are your favorite candies or Halloween treats? Comment below!