Starburst, Skittles, Nerds, Swedish Fish and Gummy Bears are all delightful indulgences constructed of a little (or a lot) of heavenly goodness that most would refer to as sugar. There are two times a year where I become anxiety ridden because my love of candy is just about to be tested, Halloween and Easter. As I have grown older, I am able to say no to candy land and slowly walk away from the evils of a sugar rush, perhaps it is because I have found alternatives to the candy aisle.
Here are my top five:
Banana Chips: You can find them in most grocery stores in the produce section, but I prefer the Trader Joe’s Brand, due to the fact that the first ingredient is actually bananas followed by coconut oil and cane juice. Be cautious when purchasing and make sure that you read the Nutrition Facts, because many brands will infuse it with sugars, which completely defeats the purpose. This is also another alternative for my potato chip lovers. (13 pieces, 160 calories)
Apple Sauce: It is apple-picking time and with that, my fridge is never without a fresh container of my homemade applesauce. Make sure to purchase organic apples as they are a part of the dirty dozen list, but a spoonful of this and your taste buds are satisfied. All you need are eight to 12 large apples, peeled and cut, place them in a pot and fill the water level to meet the apples level, bring them to a boil and then add cinnamon. The longer they boil the better the flavor and the more liquefied the sauce will get. (1/2 cup, 86 calories)
Tempting Trail Mix: Another Trader Joe’s must have contains peanuts, almonds, cashews, dried cherries, Belgium chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Due to all of the nuts it is really hard to eat more than the serving size and because it contains chocolate and peanut butter your craving is met. (¼ cup, 160 calories)
Clif Bar White Chocolate Macadamia Nut: With most protein or power bars it is safe to say that you would be better off eating a candy bar, but with Clif Bars are gaining proper nutritional value and sustainable energy. Their label really holds true and comes in handy as a mid-day snack or a pick me up. You can always bet I have one in my purse. (1 bar, 240 calories)
JBN Whey Superior Protein: This is how I originally kicked my sugar and sweet tooth habit. My sister and I were the taste testers for this when my father was reformulating and I was more than happy to be the guinea pig. I now wake up every morning and this is a staple in my diet because our flavor is so true to form, the smell is remarkable, and the powder does not clump; I can bet it will become yours, too. (Heaping scoop, 105 calories)
Although, I still love candy there are ways to avoid having to pay my dentist a visit after Halloween, or buying the disgusting brands for my trick-or-treaters. If you build up your body with healthy choices the latter will eventually becoming unappealing. Yes, I occasionally cheat and it is divine, but being a sugar junkie is no longer a part of my lifestyle. Have a safe and happy Halloween. Until next time my friends, visit www.raylenebartolacci.com. To health and wellness, salute.
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