Healthy Dinners For Pre-Trick-Or-Treating

If you aren't careful, your little Captain America or glittering Elsa will hit the streets on an empty stomach with a giant pillowcase for candy to satiate them. They'll be shoveling Starbursts and Tootsie Pops in their mouths at a rapid pace. A few hours later, pounds of candy will have been consumed, and you'll have children bouncing off the walls or exhausted kids crashing from that sugar high

Not just a game-day staple, chili can be that perfect meal to keep you and your kids full before headed out this Halloween. Healthy chili can warm bellies and provide protein and energy to keep kids going. This kid-friendly dinner can be prepared in advance and makes great leftovers. You can even sneak a few vegetables in, too.

What kid doesn't like chicken nuggets? Spruce up the old standby with an easy almond meal crust instead of that gluten-heavy breading. Skinless chicken breasts pack a big a protein punch and are lighter on the calories.

Ordering a pizza can be the easy way out when the chaos of Halloween kicks into high gear and the youngsters are ready hit the streets. Forget the greasy kid stuff. Reinvent the wheel with almond meal pizza with kale and caramelized onions. 

Chicken parmesan meatballs will satisfy that need for tasty cheese, but will also supply good protein for your hungry Halloweener. Meatballs are small and easy to handle for your excited kid, and the cheese and tomato sauce are like familiar friends. Without the empty carbs of pizza, this dish will carry your kids far.

In a bind for a pre-trick-or-treating dinner? Well, mini Mexican gorditas can pulled together in a flash. Premade flaky biscuits serve as the base for a yummy layer of ground chorizo and warm corn topped with a chunky avocado salsa. Chorizo can easily be swapped out for leaner ground turkey. Even your trick-or-treater can help get this fast dinner together.

Tacos can be the solution to that Halloween dinner conundrum. Frying up mild fish makes these easy fish tacos instantly kid-friendly. The nutrients and protein of the fish will give your kids a boost, while the veggie toppings like lettuce, avocado, and salsa keep the nutritional value coming.

Throwing together a quick dinner is always a plus, but especially when Halloween excitement leads to impatience. Chicken with a quick tomato sauce is a great way to satisfy your children's hunger quickly. This super easy recipe includes things your kids already love and the protein and vitamins you know your kids need before their night out.

Pasta is practically man's best friend. Why not give it a healthy makeover and make it an excellent base for all that candy on its way? Peanut whole wheat pasta with chicken and vegetables, combines fiber, healthy carbs, vitamins, and protein to make a balanced meal. A full belly will make your little ghost scarier.

An interactive dinner is always a great way to get your kid eating. Let them personalize their pre-trick-or-treat meal with cheese fun-do. The cauliflower purée added to the cheesy mix will help to slip vegetables under your superhero kid's radar. Dipping options can be healthful too. Things like broccoli, cauliflower, and apple can be great cheese companions.

Make Halloween dinner a party with Pita Triangles and Cheesy Pizza Dip. It's a one-bowl miracle and a breeze to put together last minute. Your kiddies will get vital protein from the cheese and you will get the satisfaction in knowing that they are chowing down on whole grains before they attempt to consume their weight in candy corn.