As Easter approaches, it can be challenging to resist the temptation of indulging in sugary treats. Especially if you have kids and Easter baskets to fill. But even without, there are aisles of colorful candies in every store, office candy bowls, and commercials witth the clucking bunny.

You don’t have to miss out on Easter Candy fun. Like my tips for Halloween, you can have your chocolate covered bunny and eat it too. Remember – follow the DAOFitLife 80-20 rule – indulge in some treats, but opt for the healthier list and be selective about which one you choose to make your “20.”

The lowdown on the common Easter treats

• Cadbury Egg: Cadbury eggs are a classic Easter candy, but they are loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats. A single Cadbury egg contains 20 grams of sugar, which is more than the recommended daily intake for adults. It also contains palm oil, which is high in saturated fat and can increase your risk of heart disease.
• Marshmallow Peeps: Marshmallow Peeps are another popular Easter treat that is high in sugar and offers little nutritional value. A single Peep contains 9 grams of sugar, which can quickly add up if you eat several at a time.
• Chocolate Bunnies: Chocolate bunnies are a staple Easter treat, but they are often made with low-quality chocolate that contains high amounts of sugar and unhealthy fats. Some chocolate bunnies also contain artificial flavors and preservatives, which can be harmful to your health.
• Jelly Beans: Jelly beans are a popular Easter candy, but they are loaded with sugar and offer little nutritional value. A single jelly bean contains about 1 gram of sugar, and it’s easy to eat at least 20 at a time, which can quickly add up. Although, they do make an excellent snack to have in your pocket if you are doing a longer running or biking race – instant energy. I heavily relied on jelly beans when I did marathons.
• Easter Baskets: Easter baskets are often filled with an assortment of sugary treats, including candy bars, gummies, and other sweets. These treats are high in sugar and unhealthy fats, and they offer little nutritional value. The problem is having these baskets lying around – like leftover Halloween candy. If you do have leftover Easter basket candy, consider freezing it or giving it away at the office!

However, there are healthy alternatives to the traditional Easter candy that can satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health. Here are some healthy Easter candy options that you can consider when you are making your own baskets:

1. Dark Chocolate Eggs: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and contains less sugar than milk chocolate. Dark chocolate eggs are a great alternative to the traditional milk chocolate eggs that are loaded with sugar. You can choose dark chocolate eggs that have a minimum of 70% cocoa content to ensure that you are getting the maximum health benefits.
2. Fruit-Flavored Jelly Beans: Jelly beans are a staple Easter candy, but they are often loaded with sugar and artificial flavors. However, you can opt for fruit-flavored jelly beans made from natural fruit extracts. These jelly beans are lower in sugar and higher in fiber than the traditional ones, making them a healthier option.
3. Homemade Trail Mix: Trail mix is a healthy snack that you can customize according to your taste preferences. You can create your own Easter-themed trail mix by adding dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate chips. This snack is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it an excellent alternative to sugary Easter candy.
4. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Chocolate-covered strawberries are a delicious and healthy Easter treat. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and low in sugar, while dark chocolate is known for its health benefits. You can use dark chocolate to cover the strawberries and decorate them with colorful sprinkles to make them festive.
5. Peanut Butter Eggs: Peanut butter eggs are a classic Easter candy, but you can make a healthier version by using natural peanut butter and dark chocolate. Natural peanut butter is free from added sugars and preservatives, while dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants. You can make your peanut butter eggs at home and store them in the fridge for a healthy Easter treat.

Easter is a time to celebrate and enjoy time with family and friends, but it doesn’t have to be all about sugary treats. By choosing healthier Easter candy options, you can satisfy your sweet tooth while still prioritizing your health. Consider trying the above options this Easter for a healthier and more satisfying holiday.