Attempting to eat well this Halloween season may not be entirely realistic; especially if you have a serious sweet tooth and love to indulge in a piece of candy now and again. Unfortunately, if you’re living with chronic pain, you might not have much of a choice in the matter. The simple sugars in cookies, candy and soft drinks trigger your body’s inflammatory response and cause pain.
The medical team at Southwest Spine and Pain Center don’t want you to be in pain during Halloween, but they also don’t want you to miss out on all of the spook-tacular fun. Our solution? Consume Halloween candy alternatives that won’t irritate your chronic pain symptoms.
It is possible to enjoy tasty treats without pain. Check out these nutritious Halloween substitutes to satiate that sweet tooth:
Dark chocolate and Peanut Butter
Put down that Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup! If it’s the delectable chocolate and peanut butter duo you’re looking for, consider picking up a container of all-natural peanut butter and dark chocolate, and making your own! Natural peanut butter has vitamin E and magnesium to help strength bones, and dark chocolate is packed with powerful antioxidants like polyphenols, flavanols and catechins. Spread one teaspoon of peanut butter on a square of dark chocolate and pop it into your mouth for a little something sweet!
Greek Yogurt with Graham Cracker Toppings
It’s no secret nonfat Greek yogurt has some pretty significant health benefits. Greek yogurt is a great source of calcium, magnesium and potassium, which are all believed to help lower high blood pressure. Additionally, the probiotics in Greek yogurt promote a healthy digestive system. If you’re craving one of those classic Cookies n’ Cream bars, opt for this combo instead: ½ cup of nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt with a handful of crushed chocolate graham crackers. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did! Yum!
Organic Fruit Leather Strips
Many organic fruit leather strips contain no fat, no cholesterol, no added sugars, low sodium and have a considerable amount of fruit in them. Plus, they’re really yummy! If you’re looking for satisfy your sweet tooth and really don’t want to risk irritating your chronic pain with even the slightest amount of sugar, then organic fruit leather strips are for you. You can find them at most grocery stores and local health food shops.
Healthy Trail Mix
If chocolate, yogurt or fruit aren’t your “things,” try creating your own healthy trail mix. Mix one to teaspoons of unsweetened coconut flakes with one cup of air-popped popcorn and about 12 roasted almonds, to enjoy a trail mix that resembles an almond job without the chocolate. The almonds are where the health benefits really kick in, because they contain heart-healthy fats that can help lower cholesterol and ease inflammation.
Well, there you have it! Four Halloween candy alternatives. What are some of your favorites? Be sure to share these ideas with friends and family members living with chronic pain, and remember, the doctors Southwest Spine and Pain Center want to help! Schedule an appointment with one of our physicians today to discuss your pain symptoms.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2014
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