Healthy Swaps for Candy

The holiday season comes with many positive experiences: seeing friends and family, enjoying parties and outings, festive music, seasonal décor, and of course, sweet treats!

With the holiday season in the near future, you may worry about your diet. Indeed, the holiday season is a time when many people let their diet slip under the pressure of baked goods, chocolates, and home-baked desserts.

You don’t need to let the holiday season derail your health and wellness goals. Keep reading for some healthy swaps for some of your favorite holiday treats!

If You Are Craving a Reese’s
Reese’s are a common candy from Halloween through Christmas, and with good reason! These delicious, creamy chocolate cups filled with peanut butter are a classic snack. However, these delicious treats can easily derail your efforts to eat healthily.

Instead, you can try:

  • Cut up a banana into rounds and top each round with a small amount of peanut butter and 1 or 2 dark chocolate chips.
  • Take 1 small piece of dark chocolate and dip it in a bit of peanut butter.

If You Are Craving Skittles or Sour Candy
Skittles and other sour candies are a fan favorite. They are small, fun to eat, and pack a fruity, tangy punch that will make your mouth water!

However, these candies are super high in sugar and could derail a healthy diet. Instead, you can try these alternatives:

  • Frozen grapes provide the same crunch and sour flavor.
  • Fruity sugar-free gum can provide the same chewy and fruity flavor.

Alternatives to Cupcakes
Cupcakes are delicious – the creamy frosting and moist cake go perfectly together! However, frosting is packed with sugar, and the cake itself can be packed with unhealthy fats.

If you’re looking to keep your diet in check, you could instead try these healthy alternatives:

  • Protein bites with a low-sugar frosting (or substitute frosting for sprinkles or honey).
  • Make your own cupcakes with oil alternatives such as yogurt or applesauce, resulting in less unhealthy fats.

Conclusion
It’s never bad to enjoy a special treat or two during the holiday season. If you don’t go overboard, a candy bar or slice of cake isn’t going to ruin your diet. However, if you’re looking for alternatives to stay on track while still enjoying a delicious treat, there are plenty of yummy options available.