The spooky season is rapidly approaching, which means trick-or-treating, mountains of candy, and way too much sugar. Fortunately, there are healthier alternatives that can make the holiday just as fun and delicious. Whether you’re a parent looking for better options for your kids or someone handing out the treats, you can enjoy the season without overindulging in refined sugars and artificial additives.
Sweeten With Nature’s Bounty
One of the easiest ways to make Halloween treats healthier is to focus on natural sweeteners instead of refined sugars. Dallas Nutritionist Gabrielle Grandell recommends “Mother Nature” sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and monk fruit. These all taste great and provide extra benefits like antioxidants, minerals, and a lower glycemic index, meaning they don’t cause your blood sugar to spike as quickly as traditional sugar.
Some brands to keep an eye out for: Gabrielle recommends Hu Kitchen and Alter Eco, both of which offer dark chocolate options sweetened with natural ingredients.
Avoid Artificial Additives
Many popular candies are loaded with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives that aren’t so sweet when it comes to your health. Gabrielle emphasizes that “artificial food dyes and colors are linked to neurological side effects and are not good for your gut.”
The good news: there are plenty of candy options on the market that use natural alternatives like turmeric, beet juice, and spirulina for coloring. These natural ingredients offer a vibrant hue without the risk associated with artificial additives.
You can also find candies that are free from preservatives like BHT and TBHQ. For even cleaner ingredients, look for treats labeled with non-GMO or organic certifications.
Choose Better Chocolate
Chocolate is a Halloween staple, but not all chocolates are created equal. Instead of sugar-laden milk chocolates, opt for dark chocolate, which is packed with antioxidants and has less sugar.
The higher the cacao content, the better for your health. “Dark chocolate would be the way to go,” says Gabrielle. Dark chocolate not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also supports your gut health and provides a wealth of benefits for your overall well-being.
Brands like UNREAL® and Honey Mama’s offer tasty options that mimic classic candy bars without all that excess sugar. They even have versions of favorites like peanut butter cups but with cleaner, more nutritious ingredients.
Be Mindful of Allergies and Sensitivities
For those with food allergies and sensitivities, there are plenty of treats that cater to gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free diets. Many companies now offer options that use coconut milk instead of cream, and dark chocolate can be a great alternative to dairy-laden milk chocolate. Look for gluten-free labels or opt for candies made with simple, recognizable (not multisyllabic) ingredients.
YumEarth and SmartSweets are great choices offering everything from suckers to gummy bears, all without common allergens and artificial ingredients.
Make This Halloween a Healthier One!
With so many healthier treat options on the market, it’s easier than ever to enjoy a festive Halloween without the sugar overload. And if you want to hand out something other than candy, Gabrielle recommends alternatives like fruit, puzzles, or mini activity books.
As you focus on creating a healthier Halloween, consider extending that commitment to your overall well-being. Book your consultation with Gabrielle today and treat yourself to better health!
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