Halloween is finally here. You know what that means…candy, candy, and more candy!
This is the one holiday where it’s acceptable to eat sugar all day. While we totally support indulging in your favorite sweets, it comes at a price. Candy is full of sugar and will eventually have negative effects on your body. Bring on the guilt from enjoying Halloween a bit too much.
But, what if we told you that some candy is actually good for you? Some candies help prevent diseases and provide your body with antioxidants. If you choose the right sweets, you can have a guilt-free Halloween.
Here are some of the top choices of candy with amazing health benefits.
Dark Chocolate
We know you’re probably going to go straight for the Snickers and Twix bars in the candy aisle, but this year opt for something darker. Dark chocolate is not only delicious, but it’s also an antioxidant. Antioxidants aid in warding off cell damage by removing harmful waste products.
Antioxidants also help keep our skin healthy. So, instead of buying those expensive skin care products, bite into some dark chocolate for clear skin. Try to find authentic dark chocolate, not the over-processed big name brands that eliminate all the health benefits. We love Nestle as much as the next girl, but their dark chocolate is only about 50% cacao. The 100% cacao bars is where all the good stuff lies.
Chocolate Covered Raisins
Raisins by themselves don’t count as candy but throw some chocolate on them and you have one of the most popular movie theatre candies. Raisins are packed with so many benefits. They’re rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Even covered in chocolate, they’re still pretty healthy.
Raisins are naturally sweet, so you don’t have to worry about putting so much processed sugar in your body. The extra fiber helps clear out toxins from your digestive system getting rid of bloating.
Licorice
This yummy twisted candy is so fun to eat. Licorice, especially black licorice, is a favorite treat and now you’re going to love them even more. Licorice is used as a natural bronchodilator and laxative. Now you can breathe better while walking to all those haunted houses.
When you think of licorice candy, you’re probably thinking Twizzlers. Well, the bad news is, this popular candy doesn’t actually contain real licorice. On the plus side, it is low fat and makes a great snack. Just eat in moderation.
PayDay
Thanks to the many peanuts in PayDays, this candy bar packs in a lot of protein. With only 90 calories and only 8 grams of sugar, you can eat it without worrying about weight gain. It also provides fiber that’s needed to keep your digestive system healthy.
And, who can forget about the sweet caramel underneath all of those peanuts? The caramel in PayDays will help satisfy your sweet tooth while not completely ruining your diet. Add a PayDay to your cheat day for a delicious treat that won’t hurt all of your hard work.
Chewing Gum
You know that Bubblicious gum you used to get in your trick-or-treat bag when you were young? Well, it turns out that gum has more properties than just being able to form a bubble. It improves concentration and memory. Chewing gum also helps improve eating habits. If you feel like you’ve been overeating lately, chew some gum and your cravings will subside. Many times we eat when we’re bored. Chewing gum helps with this boredom.
Gum also helps keep your breath fresh. We know there are times when you feel like your breath is just not fresh enough. Keep a pack of gum with you to freshen up when you need to.
Peppermint Candy
If you’re feeling a little stuffed up, suck on some peppermint candy to open up your sinuses. People with colds and allergies use peppermint to help them feel better. During the holiday season, you’ll be seeing a lot of peppermints. Why not start eating them now?
Peppermint candy also helps with concentration. Students can benefit from eating the candy during an exam to keep them focused. The candy also makes drivers more alert. While many of us in NYC don’t have to worry about driving, it’s always nice to know for when you want to get out of the city.
We hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween filled with lots of sweet treats!
