With Halloween just around the corner, there’s no escaping the tempting candy lining the shelves at the grocery store. And while holidays are certainly a time to have some treats (especially when it comes to holidays dedicated to them!). However, it’s important not to go overboard on the sugar, as this can lead to serious health consequences and derail your weight loss goals if you’re not careful. Luckily, sweet treats don’t have to be unhealthy! There are tons of better-for-you alternatives that are just as good for your body as they are for your taste buds.
To discover some of the healthiest candy replacements out there, we spoke to Sony Sherpa, MD from Nature’s Rise. She gave us 3 fantastic options: dried fruit, homemade granola bars, and (our favorite) decadent dark chocolate. Our mouths are watering!
Dried fruit
What’s better than fruity flavored candy? The real deal! This Halloween, Sherpa recommends swapping artificial, sugary treats with nature’s candy itself. “You can never go wrong with dried fruit!” She says. “With its natural sweetness, it’s a perfect alternative to candy.” What’s even better is that dried fruit doesn’t just taste great; it also offers a plethora of health benefits so that you can feel great about eating it—no guilt necessary. As Dr. Sherpa notes, “it’s packed with nutrients and fiber that kids (and adults!) can benefit from.” While store-bought varieties will work great, she reminds us that you can even make your own dried fruit at home: “All you need is a dehydrator or oven.” Nice!
Homemade granola bars
We know there’s nothing quite like a tasty candy bar, but whipping up some homemade granola bars can come pretty close, especially when you consider the fact that they’re way healthier. “Granola bars are another great option for a healthier Halloween treat,” Dr. Sherpa confirms. Just be careful when it comes to store-bought granola bars, as these are frequently loaded with sugar—luckily, making your own is fun, healthy, and delicious. One of the best parts of this sweet treat is the fact that you can add whatever you want to the mix. It’s a highly customizable snack you can fill with all of your favorite things! “You can make them at home with healthy ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruit,” she says. “And even mix in some chocolate chips for a special treat!” Yum!
Dark chocolate
You don’t have to give up chocolate altogether this year! Although it may not be the best idea to chow down on Snickers and Reese’s, dark chocolate can be surprisingly healthy—which means it’s okay to indulge a bit. “Chocolate is always a hit on Halloween, but you can make it a little healthier by opting for dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate,” Dr. Sherpa says, noting that “it’s lower in sugar and higher in antioxidants, which are good for anyone.” Perfect! Of course, just like with anything else, moderation is key. “Be sure to watch the serving size, as dark chocolate can still be high in calories,” Dr. Sherpa warns. But, hey, it’s Halloween… if you go a little overboard, we won’t tell.
All of this being said, remember that while it’s always important to make healthy decisions, sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is treat yourself to something tasty. While we can’t recommend eating handfuls of candy until your stomach hurts, savoring a Kit-Kat or two won’t kill you. And of course, when in doubt, these doctor-approved sweet treats are never a bad idea.
