Making a Healthier Easter Basket

By: Gen Wright Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Creating a healthier Easter basket may seem impossible with all the sweet candies, chocolate bunnies and marshmallow peeps. With the rate of obesity increasing for children up in the United States and several other places in the world, seeking healthier selections this Easter is on the minds of many parents. If you are wanting to go healthy for Easter, read these ideas for some Easter goodies without all the fat and calories.

Creating a Healthier Easter Basket Tip #1

Opt for toys instead of goodies. Although many baskets have some games or toys, in the past candy seemed to be the items that made up most of the basket. This year, opt for more toys and less candy. Your kids will love the toys and they will last longer than the candy. The toys don't have to be expensive. Shop at the dollar stores and discount stores for inexpensive yet fun toys. Little ones always love crayons, small reading books and stickers. You can generally find these items for $1 or less. More tips are small hand-held electronic games, card games or dolls and action figures. Another favorite for the little ones is a cute stuffed Easter animal. You can always find these furry little animals on sale just days before Easter.

Creating a Healthier Easter Basket Tip #2

Select different sweet goodies instead of candies. Dried fruits are a great alternative to the traditional jelly bean. These offer a juicy sweetness without the added sugar and calories. Additionally you get the added health benefits of vitamins and nutrients your little ones need. Try some raisins, dried apricots or even Craisins® from Ocean Spray®. These are dried sweet cranberry treats that come in different flavors. Try out some yogurt and chocolate covered raisins for a bit of an added sweentness and fun for your kids.

Creating a Healthier Easter Basket Tip #3

You don't have to give up the candy all together. Remember this is still a day of celebration and kids still want some special candies that Easter bunny brings. So be sweet and add some candy to your kids basket. Just make these snack sized. Add a few snack sized candy bars, chocolate eggs and other fun treats. Just monitor the amount of candy they eat and spread these little treats out. Find dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. Dark chocolate is actually good for us. The dark chocolate provides antioxidants and is healthy in moderation. Look for the candies that have less calories and/or fat but still have the sweet taste for your children

Creating a Healthier Easter Basket Tip #4

Make some basket treats yourself instead of buying them at the store. You can bake cupcakes and alter the recipe to reduce the fat. Add apple sauce instead of oil and add some sugar substitute to supplement and reduce the refined sugars. You can make your homemade Easter treats in fun Easter shapes and turn it into a fun family activity. Try Rice Krispy treats® and use cookie cutters to make them into fun Easter bunny shapes, eggs and other Easter shapes. Try making sugar cookies with a sugar substitute and decorate them with melted dark chocolate or peanut butter instead of frosting.

Getting healthy this Easeter is not only good for the whole family but can be a lot of Easter family fun. Other fun ideas for Easter are to do some kids crafts with the whole family. You can even make your own Easter baskets.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Here are some fun Kids Easter Crafts you can do with your kids. Julie is the author and creator of Cool Kids Craft Ideas where you can find many craft ideas, kids activities, coloring pages and more.