Easter can be compared to Halloween in terms of sugary treats that get collected from egg hunts, baskets, school parties, and Easter family gatherings. Try not to deprive your child of Easter treats, keep moderation and modification in mind. Moderation meaning they can have a controlled portion of candy on the days surrounding Easter if they have collected it from school or an Easter egg hunts. If you have control over what is put into the eggs, consider doing small trinkets or toys, like stickers, fake tattoos, coins, putty, plastic jewelry, etc. instead of candy.
Easter baskets do not have to be loaded with candy and sugary treats, instead focus on putting toys that promote activity into their baskets like jump ropes, sidewalk chalk, Frisbees, pool toys, sunglasses, etc. Some families who strive to keep minimal toys and trinkets can even get one big toy like a basketball hoop, trampoline, and season tickets to the zoo or a train set.
Also consider modifying traditional Easter treats with a healthier version, either store bought or homemade.
• Chocolate- Chocolate seems to be a common theme among Easter treats. There are chocolate eggs, bunnies, and mainstream chocolate candies made into Easter candy throughout the seasonal isle. Go for dark chocolate options instead of the traditional milk chocolate, and try to find brands that do not contain processed sugars like high fructose corn syrup or trans fatty acids in the form of hydrogenated oils. Lake Champion chocolates have an organic dark chocolateEaster bunny option, and Sjaak’s also has vegan and almond butter Easter candy options, this is also great for those children who suffer from peanut allergies!
Avoid mainstream candy options including:
• Jellybeans
• Milk chocolate
• Marshmallow candy
Try these options and brands instead:
• 70% or more dark chocolate (typically found in natural food section at local grocery store).
• Lake Champion chocolates- they have Easter Bunny options available online.
• Sjaak’s offers vegan and almond butter options which is great for anyone who suffers from peanut allergies or intolerances, available online.
• Annie’s organic fruits snacks – available at local grocery store.
• Surf Sweets offers organic jellybeans without artificial dyes or flavors, available online.
• Make your own sweet Easter treats, there are several adapted recipes online that use whole unprocessed ingredients free of chemicals and dyes.
Photo Credit- Daily Burn
o Ingredients:
o ½ c dark chocolate chips (high quality)
o 1.5 tsp. coconut oil
o For filling:
o 1 egg white
o ¼ c pure raw honey
o 2 tsp. vanilla extract
o pinch of sea salt
o egg mold- can get at local kitchen store, party store, etc.
DIRECTIONS:
o Put your honey in a small pot over medium low heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. Add in the vanilla extract and the pinch of sea salt. Stir until combined.
o Whip your egg white with a hand or stand mixer until peaks form. Once peaks form, slowly drizzle the honey mixture in the egg whites while the mixer is still whipping. Keep whipping until all the honey is blended and the mixture is very creamy. Set aside.
o In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and coconut oil until chocolate is melted and smooth. Using a small spoon, spoon your chocolate in the egg mold. Use the spoon, “paint” up the sides of the mold. Once all the eggs are covered in chocolate, stick the mold in the freezer for 5 minutes. Take it back out and “paint” the mold again with the chocolate. Stick in the freezer for another 5 minutes.
o Take it back out and fill the chocolates with the egg white/honey mixture. If you have leftover chocolate, drizzle some around all the edges of the chocolate eggs so they will mold together easier. Fold the molds together and place in the freezer for at least an hour. Undo the molds and enjoy your homemade eggs!
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