If you’re on a weight loss journey, Halloween can be a tricky time of year. After all, it’s the start of the holiday season. We tapped Jenny Craig's Registered Dietitian, Briana Rodriquez, to give us some sweet treat alternatives that can help you stay on track with your weight loss goals. So no matter the holiday or event, you can feel confident and healthy about your choices.   

If you’re a Jenny Craig client, check with your coach on any swaps or changes to your plan to ensure you stay on track.

Halloween is fast approaching, bringing with it sweet treats and temptations. Take a look at some of these 9 alternatives to satisfy your sweet tooth and celebrate the day without derailing your progress.

1. Frozen blueberries

Frozen blueberries aren’t just for smoothies or desserts. They’re a great cold and refreshing snack without the added sugar. If you want to go a step further and add a little protein to your snack, dip fresh or frozen blueberries in plain nonfat Greek yogurt using a toothpick and place on a baking sheet. Freeze for at least an hour and enjoy!

2.  Vanilla Cream Shake 

Jenny Craig Member Suzi G. took the Jenny Craig Vanilla Cream Shake Mix and whipped up a winning recipe! Take Jenny Craig's Vanilla Cream Shake Mix and add water or milk, fresh spinach, ½ frozen banana, 1 oz. avocado, a little vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon. Blend to create this creamy and satisfying shake. Take it with you on the go or enjoy it at home — this shake is perfect as an afternoon treat or snack!

3. Baked apples

These delicious apples are a simple treat to make and reheat if you have extras. Slice a small Granny Smith apple and add a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, and natural sugar substitute. Bake at 350°F for approximately 15 minutes and prepare to bask in the sweet and spicy aroma of freshly-baked fruit.
 

4. Hot ‘n Spicy Mexican Chocolate Parfait

Looking for a little sweet and spice? The Hot ‘N Spicy Mexican Chocolate Parfait combines the Jenny Craig Chocolate Muffin with cinnamon, a pinch of cayenne, plain nonfat yogurt, and raspberries. This recipe is irresistibly sweet with a hint of spice.
 

5. Broiled grapefruit

It might sound a little scary but give it a try! Take 1 grapefruit, cut it in half, sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon and natural sugar substitute and broil for around 5-6 minutes or until bubbling and the top of the grapefruit begins to caramelize.

6. Chocolate dipped fruit

Combat those not-so-healthy chocolate bars with naturally sweetened, nutrient-rich fruit, dipped in a small amount of dark chocolate. For strawberries, dip the berries into melted dark chocolate (72% or higher) and refrigerate until hardened. Once frozen, roll in melted dark chocolate (72% or higher) and return to the freezer to allow the chocolate to harden. For a fun addition, sprinkle over a crunchy topping like chopped nuts before refrigerating or freezing.

7. Dark chocolate

Huge chocolate fan? You don’t have to pass it up! Dark chocolate (72% or higher) in moderation is not full of added fat and sugars. 1-2 small squares are all you need!

8.  All-fruit popsicle

Puree your favorite fruit with some water (or lime juice for a little kick), freeze and enjoy! These are a simple, sweet, and cool treat with no added sugar.
 

9. Cottage cheese with fruit

With this combination, you’ll be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and stay fuller longer due to the protein and fiber.^1,2  A 6 oz. serving of cottage cheese should do the trick!

If you’re ready to commit to improving your health before the holidays, Jenny Craig can help! Get started and meet with a personal weight loss coach to discuss your goals. 

Sources:

[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art-20043983

[2] https://jandonline.org/article/S2212-2672(16)00042-3/abstract

Briana Rodriquez, RDN

Briana is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer for Jenny Craig, based in Carlsbad, California. She is passionate about utilizing food as functional and preventative medicine. Guided by a simplistic and optimistic approach, Briana’s philosophy is to help people improve their health and achieve their goals through the development of sustainable habits to live a healthy life. In her free time, you can find her strength training, indoor cycling, coffee tasting, and at local eateries with her husband and two dogs. 

Favorite healthy snack: Peanut butter with celery alongside a grapefruit-flavored sparkling water (so refreshing!)