Halloween is all about indulging in fun, festive treats, but many popular snacks can leave your gut feeling less than thrilled. If you're looking for delicious Halloween goodies that are also gentle on digestion, we’ve got you covered! These three gut-friendly recipes are packed with wholesome ingredients to keep your belly happy while still bringing the Halloween spirit.
Banana Ghost Pops
Bananas are naturally rich in prebiotics, which help feed the good bacteria in your gut. These frozen banana ghost pops are a fun, spooky, and gut-friendly Halloween dessert that kids and adults will love.
Ingredients:
- 3 bananas, peeled and halved
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt) (Optional to melt dark chocolate for variations)
- 1 tbsp honey
- Dark chocolate chips (for ghost eyes) or can use candy eyes, like above
- Popsicle sticks
Directions:
- Insert popsicle sticks into the flat end of each banana half.
- Mix the yogurt and honey together, then dip each banana into the yogurt to coat.
- Place the bananas on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Press dark chocolate chips into the yogurt for the ghost's eyes.
- Freeze for at least 2 hours or until the yogurt is set.
- Serve frozen for a spooky, gut-friendly treat!
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Avocados are rich in healthy fats and fiber, making this creamy chocolate mousse a gut-friendly indulgence. The avocado makes the mousse ultra-smooth, while the cocoa gives it a deep, rich flavor that feels decadent without the digestive discomfort.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Dark chocolate shavings or pomegranate seeds for topping
Directions:
- Scoop the avocados into a blender or food processor.
- Add the cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Spoon the mousse into bowls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Top with dark chocolate shavings or pomegranate seeds for a touch of elegance.
Gut-Friendly Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
These delicious pumpkin oatmeal cookies are not only perfect for Halloween but also packed with gut-friendly ingredients. Oats are high in fiber, which is great for digestion, and pumpkin adds natural sweetness and nutrients. Plus, they’re simple to make!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
- 1/3 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, pumpkin purée, almond butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Add the baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to the mixture, and stir until well combined.
- If desired, fold in the dark chocolate chips for an extra treat.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Gut-Friendly Ingredients to Keep in Mind
- Greek Yogurt: Packed with probiotics to support gut health.
- Berries: Full of fiber and antioxidants, great for digestion.
- Avocados: Loaded with healthy fats and fiber for a happy gut.
- Bananas: Naturally rich in prebiotics that feed good gut bacteria.
- Oats: High in fiber, which is great for digestion
Enjoy these sweet treats without the bloating or discomfort, and rest easy knowing that your dessert choices are good for your gut! 🎃👻