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A Healthier Halloween Guide

A Healthier Halloween Guide
A Healthier Halloween Guide

If you are looking for ideas on how to have a healthy halloween this year, look no further! This candy-filled holiday doesn’t have to be full of sugar and energy crashes for you or the kids. Here are some tips to still keep the holiday fun while also cutting sugar and adding nutritious options!

This is the perfect opportunity to get the kids involved in the kitchen! The more they are, the more likely they will eat all the things you make together (it’s a good way to sneak in more veggies for more picky eaters too) Try out some of these fun and nutrient-rich recipes to make the most of the spooky season this month!

If you are still looking for ideas to celebrate, and don’t necessarily want to be in the kitchen as much, try turning your house into a place of adventure by creating a haunted hunt- think of a scavenger hunt but with a spooky, haunted theme. 

Prep all of the ingredients in the kitchen and then when you are ready for the hunt, hide all the ingredients around the house in ziplock bags or tupperware (you can wrap them up with fake spider webs or construction paper if you want to go all out). Give the kids a list of the ingredients for their spooky activity to find! (make up clues of where they are hidden if you want to make it more fun) Have the kids collect them in a bucket or bowl and then when they finish the hunt, bring everything to the kitchen and make the recipe! 

Goal: find all the ingredients to make a spooky snack/magic potion/witches brew 

Items to hide (in baggies or tupperwares you can decorate or disguise) – with your kids, make up what each item could be to make it more spooky- see examples below…

  • Spooky Snack: Chocolate dipped apples
    • Apples (the more tart, the better) – example: pretend its a poison apple
    • Gummy worms (black forest brand)- example: pretend they are real worms
    • Mini chocolate chips (enjoy life brand): pretend they are insect eyes
    • Crushed gluten-free graham crackers or pretzels (Pamelas or Kinnikinnick grahams or From the ground up or Snyders pretzels)- example: pretend it is dirt or dust 
    • Dried berries (cranberries, cherries, blueberries, strawberries): pretend they are shriveled up bugs 
    • Coconut (if no allergy)
    • Sunbutter- drizzle over top 
    • Chopped nuts (if no allergy)
    • Granola (made good, bakery on main, purely elizabeth, Udi’s- gluten-free)
    • Apple skewer sticks
    • 1 (10 oz.) bag dark chocolate chunks (enjoylife brand)
    • 1 Tbsp. Coconut oil
    • Instructions: 
      • Prepare your station by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, and laying out your toppings in small bowls 
      • Place each apple on the baking sheet, pick off the stems, and place the skewer right in the center, making sure not to poke all the way through to the other side. 
      • Fill up a saucepan with water about halfway, and place a pyrex-like mixing bowl on top to create a double-boiler. 
      • Add the bag of chocolate chips and coconut oil to the bowl and begin to heat the water below to where it is simmering, not boiling, and maintain low heat to steam the bowl above to melt the chocolate. Continuously stir the chocolate so all the chunks get melted.  
      • Once completely melted, dip each apple in the chocolate mixture and use a spoon to pour over the top to get the chocolate to stick all the way around. 
      • Place the chocolate covered apple back on the parchment paper tray and sprinkle/stick toppings on each one. 
      • Place the tray in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, peel off the parchment, and enjoy! 
  • Witch’s brew slushie https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/5-minute-slushie-aka-diy-slushy-magic/ 
    • 1 cup sparkling fruit juice (Martinelli’s organic, Whole foods brand, Organics brand- orange is preferable for color or red/purple grape): pretend it is the potion base
    • 1-2 cups Ice cubes 
    • 2 Tbsp. Kosher salt 
    • Toppings (pomegranate seeds- bloody teeth, blood orange slices, chocolate chips, gummy worms) 
    • 1 Quart size ziploc bag + 1 sandwich size ziploc bag 
    • Instructions:
      • Place the salt and ice cubes in the larger ziplock bag and prop open.
      • Pour the juice into the smaller bag and seal shut. Make sure to get out as much air as possible and seal it tight! 
      • Place the juice bag on top of the ice in the larger bag. Seal the larger bag tight, also squeezing out the air. 
      • Now, start to shake the bag vigorously for at least 3-5 minutes, until it starts to turn to slush!- the longer you shake, the more solid it will be.
      • When done shaking, open up the bags and pour the slush into a cup. Add your toppings and enjoy your spooky treat!

 

Did you know you don’t have to be a member at Five Journeys to see our Functional Nutritionist? Call us today to book a consult (617) 934-6400.

A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is comprehensive testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, helping clinicians accurately diagnose and treat these complex infections. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood, Urine, or Ticks

COST

may have a $200 copay

INSURANCE

Covered by most insurance.

A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Galleri® is a multi-cancer early detection test, a blood test that screens for many of the deadliest cancers before they become symptomatic,1,2,3 including those with no recommended screening tests today. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home or in lab.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$999

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

A Healthier Halloween Guide
A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This DNA test analyzes a person’s genetic markers to provide insights into their health and wellness price. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Swab

COST

$299

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is a key tool for assessing the impact of long-term exposure to environmental chemicals. By quantitatively measuring 14 select metabolites, this test helps determine an individual’s toxic burden, offering essential data to guide targeted nutritional and detoxification interventions for improved health outcomes. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$129

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

The Hormone and Urinary Metabolites Assessment Profile (HuMapTM) provides a comprehensive overview of steroid hormones, their metabolites, and the efficiency of the enzymes that metabolize these hormones. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$199

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a dried urine test for comprehensive hormones to help providers solve complex patient cases. DUTCH is a group of validated tests that provide a complete evaluation of sex and adrenal hormones, including metabolites. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$300

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive stool test that relies on quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, H. pylori, fungi, and more by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$399

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

A Healthier Halloween Guide
A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive test that uses blood and urine to evaluate over 125 biomarkers. It provides recommendations for vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and digestive support. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood and Urine

COST

$179 – $439

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

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A Healthier Halloween Guide
A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Genova’s SIBO Profiles are non-invasive breath tests which capture exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following patient ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

A Healthier Halloween Guide
A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

A Healthier Halloween Guide
A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

A Healthier Halloween Guide
A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
A Healthier Halloween Guide
A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$310

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
A Healthier Halloween Guide
A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
A Healthier Halloween Guide
A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
A Healthier Halloween Guide
A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
A Healthier Halloween Guide
A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$150 – $329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

A Healthier Halloween Guide
A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$439 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

A Healthier Halloween Guide
A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
A Healthier Halloween Guide
A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
A Healthier Halloween Guide
A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
A Healthier Halloween Guide
A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

A Healthier Halloween Guide
A Healthier Halloween Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted