5 Healthy Halloween Swaps for Every Kind of Candy Craving

I don’t mean to frighten you, but we’re closing in on one of the most unhealthy holidays of the year.

And though you may head into Halloween armed with the best intentions, if you aren’t prepared, one whiff of all those sweet treats could be all it takes to send you spiraling into a dark hole of diet destruction.

Never fear! I’ve got you covered with simple snacking swaps sure to scare off even the worst candy craving.

Stock up on these slim-down staples now, and enjoy a happy and healthy Halloween!

Treat: Milk Chocolate Bar

Trim-Down Trick: Chocolate Milk

With this decadent drink, you’ll not only calm chocolate cravings, your body will get a boost from nutrients like calcium and vitamin D found in milk. Try making your own by blending one cup of nonfat milk with one tablespoon of dark chocolate syrup. Craving something cozier? Mix one tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder with your natural sweetener (think Stevia leaf or Monk Fruit) and one cup of nonfat milk for a healthier hot chocolate that won’t wreck your waistline.

Treat: Peanut Butter Cups Trim-Down

Trick: Chocolate PB melts

Tastes delish and no guilt. Just bring a small pot to medium heat on the stovetop, then add an ounce of dark chocolate, two tablespoons of peanut butter and two to three tablespoons of unsweetened almond milk. Stir until the chocolate and peanut butter are melted and the mixture is blended. Let cool then pour quarter-sized droplets onto a greased pan and place the pan in the freezer. Once the melts are solid enough to pick up, dive right in!

Treat: Gummy Bears (or any gummy candy!)

Trim-Down Trick: Natural Dried Fruit

Noshing on dried fruit is a great way to satisfy cravings for something chewy and sweet without all the calories and sugar in traditional gummy candies. Try dried apricots, apples, pineapples, figs or raisins. Just be sure to read the ingredients and skip the fruits with added sugar. You can also make your own dried berries. Just spread your favorites on a baking sheet and bake for six to eight hours at 200 degrees. Just be sure to check on your fruit every hour or so to prevent burning.

Treat: Skittles

Trim-Down Trick: Frozen Red Grapes

I know, I know. It’s easy to be skeptical of any suggestion that involves replacing candy with fruit. But frozen grapes are the perfect combo―sweet and crunchy. Mix in some frozen blueberries and green grapes as well, and you’ll literally be tasting the rainbow!

Treat: Peppermint Patty

Trim-Down Trick: Chocolate Mint Tea

If chocolate mint is your flavor of choice, brew a large cup of mint tea, then stir in two tablespoons of sweetened cocoa powder and two tablespoons of non-fat milk. You’ll get all the taste of your favorite treat―without any of the guilt!

Jessica Kishpaugh is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist & Mindfulness Life Coach and owner of LoYo Wellness in Bergen County NJ (www.loyowellness.com).  Jessica specializes in healthy and sustainable weight loss, intuitive eating, emotional eating, stress reduction and mindfulness. Book your FREE Breakthrough Call HERE.