Dr. Kantor recently shared his ideas for healthier treats for Easter, with WomensMovement.com
1. Why should we as moms try to avoid sugary treats on candy-focused holidays such as Easter? 
Sugar in general is the root of most of our health issues including obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hormone imbalance, inflammation, adrenal fatigue, thyroid issues, and the list could go on. Even if chronic diseases listed above are not a concern, simply consuming sugar in processed form like a baked good or candy can damage your entire metabolism. Sugar will cause a spike in insulin levels, when insulin levels are high your body cannot metabolize fat resulting in weight gain. Another complication of consuming sugar is the crash in energy after the insulin spike wears off, resulting in additional consumption of more sugar and prolonging the body’s inability to burn fat.
2. What makes certain candy treats healthier options for kids (and adults)?
All candy is not created equal; most of the mainstream candies contain processed ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, or even harmful dyes. Look at the ingredient list and try to at least avoid the above ingredients. There are a few brands that have specialty Easter candies that only contain all natural ingredients like Newman’s Own and Annie’s Organic to name a couple. Another option is to make your own candy and treat with unrefined ingredients. Check out the Green Box Foods Blog for some great adult and kid friendly recipes http://blog.greenboxfoods.com.
3. What is your favorite Easter candy treat?
Peanut Butter Cups
http://blog.greenboxfoods.com/homemade-chocolate-peanut-butter-or-almond-butter-cups/
These peanut butter or almond butter cups are simple to make and the ingredients are high quality compared to mainstream candy in this from.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup of all natural peanut, almond or sun butter
- 2 tablespoons local honey
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil or melted organic butter if you are not fond of coconut oil
- 4 ounces of unsweetened chocolate
- 2-4 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine the peanut butter, coconut oil or butter, vanilla, first 2 tablespoons honey. Mix until well combined.
- Drop by the heaping teaspoon into mini liners in cupcake pans. Place in freezer.
- Chop chocolate into small pieces and place in the top of a double broiler. Mix in the honey. Bring about ¼ of the pot of water to a boil and place the bowl on top. Watch the chocolate carefully so that it doesn’t burn, stirring gently while the chocolate melts. When there are just a few chunks left in the chocolate, take off of the heat and allow it to melt completely.
- Drop by the teaspoon over the peanut butter mixture and place back into the freezer. Freeze for 20 minutes. Take out, keep in the freezer or refrigerator and enjoy.
Level of difficulty: Easy
This is a preview to an article that will be featured on WomensMovement.com. Read the FULL ARTICLE HERE.
Dr. Kantor’s greatly anticipated new children’s book, The Green Box League of Nutritious Justice, is now available. Be sure to order this highly reviewed book, filled with healthy living tips for the whole family. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.