Healthy Swaps: Halloween Treats

halloween candy

You can probably figure out that candy isn’t the healthiest option, but this time of year it’s pretty much unavoidable. Explore the options below for improved candy picks.

Instead of: King size candy bar
Choose: Mini “fun size” bar

The Payoff: An average savings of 475 calories and more than 20 grams of fat

Instead of: Candy apple
Choose: Apple slices dipped in peanut butter

The Payoff: Less sugar, plus you'll get good-for-you nutrients like healthy fat

Instead of: Chewy taffy
Choose: Sugarless gum

The Payoff:  A 100-percent reduction in calories (most sugarless gum has none), plus a healthier mouth; taffy can do some serious damage to your teeth.

Instead of: Candy Corn
Choose: Homemade caramels

The Payoff: Less processed sweeteners and no artificial colors. Read ingredient labels on all of your Halloween candy, you’d be surprised at what’s in some of them.

Instead of: Jelly beans
Choose: A lollipop

The Payoff: A portion controlled goodie instead of mindless sugary shoveling.

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Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana's full bio »

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