Halloween (and the entire holiday season, really) means an overload of candy, not just for kids, but for us adults too. I’m not here to preach perfection because, believe me, I’m not perfect when it comes to sweets either. But there’s a difference between reaching for a candy bar full of questionable ingredients and opting for something that’s a little bit better for your body.
I’ve found that some of the sweets I do enjoy are either homemade or made with more mindful ingredients. While they’re still sugary, the difference lies in the quality of the ingredients—because let’s face it, not all sweets are created equal.
Here are some of my go-to “better” candies
- 🥜 Justin's Organic Dark Peanut Butter Cups – While they aren’t perfect (hello, palm oil and sugar), they’re a better option and taste amazing!
- 👩🍳 Hu Kitchen Gems – Beware! These are dangerously delicious. But ingredient-wise, they’re one of the better choices when you’re craving something sweet.
- 🍫 Unreal Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars – I’m obsessed with everything Unreal makes. They’re dairy-free, gluten-free, and contain less sugar than your average candy bar, making them a decent option when you need a treat.
- 🌎 Yum Earth – This brand never disappoints! Everything I’ve tried from them has been delicious, and they use more natural ingredients.
Candy isn’t just a guilty pleasure—it can seriously mess with your gut health, leading to bigger problems down the line. Here’s how:
- High in Sugar: The refined sugar in candy feeds harmful bacteria in your gut, leading to something called gut dysbiosis. This imbalance in gut bacteria can cause inflammation, poor digestion, and a weakened immune system.
- Nutrient Deficiency: Candy is essentially empty calories—there’s no fiber or real nutrition, which can make it harder for your gut to function properly. Without enough nutrients, your gut struggles to maintain a healthy environment.
- Artificial Ingredients: Many candies are loaded with artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives. These can irritate your gut lining, contributing to leaky gut and overall inflammation in the body. Over time, this increases your risk for chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases and even mental health issues.
A compromised gut can lead to issues far beyond digestion, like weakened immunity, mood swings, and hormone imbalances. So, while it’s tempting to dive into a bag of Halloween candy, it’s worth thinking about how those treats impact your body.
That said, none of us live in a sugar-free bubble. So if you’re going to indulge, why not choose options that are kinder to your gut? What’s your favorite “healthier” candy? Let’s swap ideas—because we all deserve a treat now and then!
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