Anti-Inflammatory Halloween Tricks & Treats

Halloween is just around the corner. Which means ghastly ghosts, wicked witches, and spooky skeletons! And of course, many of us are looking forward to the tasty tradition of trick-or-treating. But, the beloved candy collecting may not include everyone. Some foods can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. So, people with medical conditions, such as psoriasis can feel left out. So, here are some anti-inflammatory treat ideas that will keep everyone involved in the fun!

BENEFICIAL INGREDIENTS:

When choosing recipes, we searched for ones with anti-inflammatory ingredients. Here are some of the healthy ingredients found in the upcoming recipes: cacao, turmeric, cinnamon, berries, cherries, ginger, nuts, coconut oil, and more! These foods contain helpful antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats that all reduce inflammation. It can be beneficial to add these ingredients to your diet. Because of these helpful foods, you’ll be able to enjoy these treats without them triggering a flare-up!

For those of us with allergies and extra dietary restrictions have no fear! Plenty of these recipes are vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free. Click the recipes to find the ones that work for you!

TREATS

We’ve compiled a list of tasty anti-inflammatory Halloween and fall-festive treats!

• Healing Halloween Pumpkin Turmeric Gummies
  These healing gummy candies are the perfect candy alternative. They are full of turmeric and other anti-inflammatory ingredients. Instead of getting the overly sugary candies from the store, try making these tasty gummies instead!
• Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Pumpkin Spice Latte
  Tis the season for pumpkin spice! It is a delicious fall flavor that will enhance any drink. However, you don’t need to buy an extra sugary drink at a coffee shop to enjoy it. This drink will fill you with warm pumpkin-spice and none of the unhealthy ingredients that come in café drinks.
• Chocolate Pumpkin Butter Cups
  These vegan and anti-inflammatory alternatives to the typical coco cups are easy to make and delicious. These candies are coated in chocolate. Once you take a bite you get that mix of creamy chocolate and soothing pumpkin filling. Be careful to hide some for yourself. These tasty candies will go fast at any Halloween party!
• Paleo Pumpkin Roll
  These pumpkin rolls are beautiful pumpkin desserts that will satisfy that pumpkin craving. Fill pumpkin cake with icing to create satisfying swirls. These desserts are delicious while still being gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, and AIP compliant!
• Sweet & Sticky Popcorn Balls
  Not only do these popcorn pops look fancy but they taste great too! The popcorn base can get filled with nuts, fruit, and other delicious toppings. Healthy, sweet, and simple. This recipe shows two different ways you can serve them. But, once you create the base the combinations are endless!
• Superfood Chocolate Bar
  When people think Halloween they think chocolate bars. But sadly, many store-bought chocolate bars are full of inflammatory ingredients. Not this recipe though! Full of anti-inflammatory cacao, goji berries, and ginger, this chocolate bar will safely fill your coco craving.
• Sweet Potato Ice Cream
  Who says you can’t crave ice cream year round? This orange and sweet recipe pairs perfectly with the fall leaves. This recipe is super simple and it requires no ice cream maker! Grab yourself a spoonful of this delicious dessert.
• Chocolate-Covered Carrot Cake Pops
  These healthy cake pops will be all the rage at your party. Not only are they delicious, but the orange and brown colors are perfect for fall! Full of anti-inflammatory ingredients so you can eat guilt-free.
• Apple Chips
  These tasty cinnamon apple chips are crispy and sweet. But, unlike store-bought apple chips these are baked and do not have refined sugars. A healthy, sweet, and addictive treat!
• Hot Chocolate with Superfoods
  It’s getting chilly out, so keep yourself warm with this hot coco recipe! But unlike typical hot coco, this is packed with tasty superfoods that will make you feel great! Such as honey, cinnamon, coconut oil, and cacao!
• Candied Pecans
  This recipe is a sweet way to munch on pecans. Without any refined sugars, you can eat as many as you want without them inflaming your skin. Serve these as a snack or over salad!

TRICKS

Whether you’re trick-or-treating, giving out candy, or headed to a Halloween party, here are some tips to make the most of the weekend!

Layer Up Under those Spooky Costumes:

While you may love dressing up, we all know how poorly-made some costumes can be. When shopping at a party store, the costumes may be made with cheap materials that can aggravate your skin. The best way to still rock the costume is to wear layers underneath. Wear shirts, pants, or leggings made of cotton or silk underneath.  Those materials are soft on the skin and won’t trigger a flare-up. Not to mention they’ll keep you warm out in the autumn air.

The other option is to make your costume yourself! That way you can choose the materials and how it lays on your skin. And you’ll be able to be as creative with your costume as you want!

Give out Stickers & Toys:

If you’re planning on handing out goodies to trick-or-treaters with dietary restrictions you may want to skip the candy altogether. Instead, hand out non-food treats such as stickers, spider rings, and other fun cheap toys. Use these goodies as a secondary option for the kids or as an alternative altogether. Trick-or-treaters will appreciate being included.  

Want to get the neighborhood involved too? Try talking to neighbors and see if they’re willing to give out alternatives. They can still give out candy as well. But tell them they’d make a child’s day to get goodies they can enjoy too!

Want to help spread the word further? Join the Teal Pumpkin Project. This project is dedicated to helping include kids with dietary restrictions in trick-or-treating. Put a teal-painted pumpkin outside your house and offer non-food treats on Halloween.

Bust Out the Games:

Hosting a Halloween party? For better or worse many parties revolve themselves around food. You could cook up a bunch of anti-inflammatory treats. Or, you can try to steer the focus of the party away from the food. Run a costume contest or set up fun games the guests can play. These will keep all of your guests feeling both involved and entertained.

Attending a party? Kindly ask the host what food they will be serving. If you can’t eat the food available, ask if there will be non-food related activities. Or, try baking one of the anti-inflammatory recipes listed and bring a platter to the party!

Psoriasis Honey
We at Psoriasis Honey want you to be able to enjoy the spooky season without the fear of flare-ups! That is why we have created a natural skin-care line to help protect and soothe your skin.

In addition, we have fostered a safe psoriasis community in our Facebook group. Share your experiences and ask questions. Feel free to share additional recipes and costume ideas!

We are here to help you in this journey of finding relief. We hope these tips will help you enjoy Halloween without the irritation and inflammation.