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Enjoy Easter Treats Without the Tempting Sweets

April 13, 2014

Simple substitutions for avoiding sweets

Easter is an important, family-centered holiday that many look forward to every year. Candy companies are also prepared, stocking shelves with Peeps marshmallows, infamous chocolate bunnies and countless jelly beans.

If you’re filling Easter baskets for your children, here are some healthier ideas for treats:

  • Try incorporating fruit or carrots into the basket. You can decorate chocolate covered strawberries or orange slices. You may be able to get away with one bag of carrot sticks since the basket is from the Easter Bunny!
  • Decorate hard-boiled eggs. They’re a healthy addition to Easter baskets that are in the spirit of the holiday. An egg a day fits into dietary guidelines of 300 mg cholesterol.
  • Use toys and games instead of candy.  Even small changes like switching half of the usual amount candy in the basket to healthier options can benefit your child.

If you’re baking, try these simple substitutions to decrease fat and sugar and increase fiber:

  • Instead of butter or oil in a recipe, substitute equal parts unsweetened applesauce, nonfat Greek yogurt or mashed banana.
  • To decrease sugar in the recipe, substitute 1 tablespoon honey for every 1 cup of sugar.
  • Try using whole wheat, almond, ground oats or coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour.
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