Sweet Healthy Halloween Swaps

Halloween is the holiday we are  expected to gorge ourselves on Halloween candy, diet be damned. There is nothing quite like bringing home an epic haul from your neighborhood rounds, especially if you happen to notice that it contains a sizable portion of your favorite Halloween candy. But for those of us not looking to bust out of our Halloween costume, we may want a healthier plan of attack. Here are a few ideas for tasty swaps this Halloween!

TRADE THIS:  Candy Bars Candy bars are one of the most common Halloween candies, and everyone has a favorite.  You might think that the tiny snack-size bars distributed at Halloween are harmless, but you've been tricked, not treated!  Pop a couple of these and you've consumed tons of calories, high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, fat, and sugar.

FOR THAT:  Granola Bars Granola bars are a far better choice than candy bars if you choose carefully.  Look for bars with dried fruit, nuts, and whole grains such as oats and brown rice for an option that's full of flavor and fiber without all the fake stuff.  I like Lara Bars, which are made with no added sugar, just dried fruit and nuts.

TRADE THIS:  Peanut Butter Cups Two peanut butter cups have about 4.5 grams of saturated fat, mounds of sugar, and the unwelcomed addition of artificial preservatives.  Artificial preservatives are considered carcinogens have been linked to certain cancers.  Preservatives are great for mummies, but bad for living humans.

FOR THAT:  Organic Whole Grain Pretzels with Almond Butter Pair whole grain pretzels with individual snack packs of almond butter for a healthy treat full of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

TRADE THIS: Gummy Candy In the scheme of things, gummies may seem like a healthy alternative to some Halloween candy.  But while those cute little bears are low in fat, they are full of high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors, which have been linked to hyperactivity in children.  Now that's just scary.

FOR THAT:  Dried Fruit or Fruit Leather When fruits are dehydrated, their natural flavor and sweetness is concentrated so they're packed with vibrant flavor, naturally.  Choose dried fruit and fruit leathers with no added sugar or preservatives.

TRADE THIS:  Popcorn Balls Popcorn is a great snack that's whole grain and fiber-rich.  But this sticky treat is loaded with the spookiest ingredient of them all.  You guessed it: corn syrup.

FOR THAT:  Lightly Sweetened Kettle Corn Kettle corn is a great alternative to popcorn balls.  You still get the sweetness and the crunch factor you crave, but with dramatically less sugar.  Small individual bags make a perfect treat for your little goblins.

THIS:  Sugary Lollipops Again, our old pal HFCS rears his ghoulish head.  Artificial colors, flavors, AND high fructose corn syrup.  No, no, and no!

FOR THAT:  Fresh Pineapple Pops from Edible Arrangements Pineapple Pops from Edible Arrangements are adorable pops in fun shapes like bats, cats, ghosts cut from fresh pineapple.  Each one is individually wrapped to make them easy to take to parties or pass out to your trick or treaters.  Choose from both plain and more indulgent chocolate dipped options.  Even with a little chocolate, these pops start with a great foundation: healthy, fresh cut fruit, and ounce for ounce they're great choice next to traditional Halloween candy.