As a bariatric patient, finding bariatric-friendly Halloween recipes can be challenging, especially when the season revolves around sugary treats. But you don’t have to sacrifice your health goals! This year, try these high-protein, low-carb, no-added-sugar Halloween recipes that will not only satisfy your cravings but also keep you on track. Whether you’re hosting a spooky gathering or looking for healthy alternatives to candy, these nutrient-dense recipes are perfect for you, your family, and friends.

High-Protein Halloween Appetizers: Creepy Crawly Deviled Eggs

When it comes to bariatric-friendly Halloween appetizers, these Protein-Packed Creepy Crawly Deviled Eggs are a festive, high-protein option. Loaded with healthy fats from avocado and protein from the eggs, this dish is both tasty and filling. To make these eggs even more bariatric-friendly, swap the light mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt, adding an extra protein boost.

Ingredients:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs
• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (for extra protein)
• 1 tsp mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Black olives (sliced to resemble spiders)

Instructions:

1. Slice hard-boiled eggs in half and scoop out the yolks.
2. In a bowl, mash yolks with avocado, Greek yogurt, mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Spoon the mixture back into the egg whites.
4. Use sliced black olives to create spider shapes on top.

Bariatric-Friendly Halloween Main Course: Protein Pumpkin Chili

Looking for a hearty, protein-packed main course? Try this Protein Pumpkin Chili. Made with ground turkey and black beans, it’s a festive and satisfying option that’s low in carbs but high in protein.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can pumpkin puree (no added sugar)
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground turkey in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and bell pepper, and cook until softened.
3. Stir in black beans, pumpkin puree, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Seasonally Colored Side Dish: Baked Purple Sweet Potato Chips

These Baked Purple Sweet Potato Chips are not only a vibrant addition to your Halloween spread but also a healthier alternative to store-bought chips. Purple sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and are lower on the glycemic index than regular potatoes, making them ideal for bariatric patients.

Ingredients:

• 2 purple sweet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss sliced sweet potatoes with avocado oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

Festive Vegetable Platter: Roasted Halloween Veggies

Show off your carving skills with these Roasted Halloween Vegetables. Carve faces into bell peppers or use a cookie cutter to shape zucchini and squash into fun Halloween shapes. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables while keeping them low-carb and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 2 bell peppers (carved into Jack-o’-lantern faces)
• 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1 yellow squash, sliced into rounds
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 15-20 minutes until tender.

High-Protein Halloween Dessert: Greek Yogurt Ghost Pops

Desserts don’t have to be off-limits during Halloween! These Greek Yogurt Ghost Pops balance the sugar from the bananas with protein from the greek yogurt. By using Greek yogurt as the base and adding a few natural sweeteners, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your health journey.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup non fat plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Mini chocolate chips for eyes

Instructions:

1. Peel your bananas and cut them in half. Place your stick half way into your banana.
2. Dip your banana into the yogurt. You can use a fork to help remove it from the yogurt.
3. Place the bananas onto a parchment lined sheet pan.
4. Add two chocolate chips on the banana to make the eyes.
5. Put the pan into the freezer for two hours.

In Summary

Finding bariatric-friendly Halloween recipes doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. By focusing on high-protein, low-carb alternatives, you can enjoy the festivities while sticking to your bariatric goals. From protein-packed appetizers to festive veggie platters, these recipes are a great way to celebrate without added sugar and unhealthy ingredients. Remember, staying full with at least 60 grams of protein per day will help curb those candy cravings! Get creative in the kitchen and make this Halloween a healthy, spooky celebration!

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