Tomorrow is (already) Halloween, so we thought who better to share some healthy Halloween treats than our friend Ashley of @fitmittenkitchen. She is a healthy baker, real food advocate and fitness enthusiast who inspires us on the daily to be creative in the kitchen and to remember that balance, moderation and indulgence can all live happily (and deliciously) together. 

Get to know Ashley’s story —

Let’s start with your own health story – what has it been like?

My health story has certainly changed over the years. I grew up as an extremely picky eater in a household where, as a kid, I wasn’t forced to try many new things. I didn’t eat fruits and vegetables on the regular (if at all) and I really had no idea what it meant to eat healthy until I was in my early twenties living on my own. Eventually, I started to take my health into my own hands and learned how to cook meals from scratch and start baking healthier treats. When I discovered how eating real, whole foods and creating meals weren’t actually too hard I wanted to share my new found love with as many people as I could. Because after all these years, I finally realized eating healthy was pretty freaking awesome – you get to eat flavorful, delicious foods and feel better from the inside out.

What has been the biggest challenge turned lesson you’ve learned along the way?

Knowing when to slow down. For so many years through high school and college, I was always busy and often run down. You carry on like that for so long and eventually, you think that’s the way things are meant to be. But with time and running my own business, I’ve learned it’s okay to take a step back, focus on your well being (both mental and physical), say ‘no’ to things that don’t serve you and say ‘yes’ to personal growth.

What is your favorite holiday to bake/cook for?

Thanksgiving, for sure! I love cooking healthier Thanksgiving meals (think maple roasted brussels sprouts and butternut squash and vegan sweet potato casserole) as well as coming up with some delicious healthier pumpkin desserts. I have this Paleo Deep Dish Pumpkin Cookie I am obsessed with.

* She also shares her healthy Halloween treats with us over on Instagram — check it out!

What is your number one piece of advice for people trying to develop a better at-home work routine?

Take one day a week to make a game plan. I usually sit down on Sunday and write out what is on the schedule for the week. Sometimes I have to move days around so it’s good to be flexible, but just writing everything down and creating lists helps.

What is your must-do self-care practice that helps you stay balanced with your busy schedule?

Plenty of sleep (at least 8 hours a night!) and getting in a few workouts a week. As easy as it would be for me to skip workouts, I just know I feel so much better when I make time for them in my schedule. Sometimes, work can wait and it’s better to sweat it out.

And finally, what is your favorite Perfect Bar?

If I say Pumpkin Pie will you keep it in stock year round? But seriously, it is probably my favorite.

Get The Recipe: Ashley’s More Perfect & Healthy Halloween Treats

If you want to see the play by play of how to make Ashley’s more perfect and healthy Halloween treats, head to our IG story here.

What you’ll need:

• White Chocolate Chips (melted down)
• Matcha
• Dark Chocolate Chips (melted down)
• Almond Butter Perfect Bar
• Fresh Strawberries
• Toothpicks
• Edible Eye Balls

White Chocolate Strawberry Ghosts:

1. Melt the white chocolate chips and dark chocolate chips
2. Dip the washed strawberries in the white chocolate chips and place on baking sheet with parchment paper
3. Let them set & dry then, take a toothpick and dab little dark chocolate eyeballs on

Perfect Bar Frankenstein:

1. Mix some matcha into the melted down white chocolate chips
2. Chop your Almond Butter Perfect Bar into thirds and stick a toothpick into the squares
3. Dip the Perfect Bar squares into the green chocolate mixture and thoroughly coat them
4. Then, dip the top of cooled squares into the dark chocolate to create the hair for Frankenstein
5. Next, dip the end of a toothpick into the dark chocolate and carefully draw on the mouth and stitches for detail
6. Lastly, put a little drop of dark chocolate on the back of the eye and stick onto the face of Frankenstein