Originally published April 3 2015
Opt for healthy, natural treats this Easter instead of toxic GMO candy to save your family's health
by Sandy J. Duncan
(NaturalNews) This Easter may be the time you decide to pass on the high-fructose corn syrup jelly beans instead of sticking to the, "It's a holiday, so it's okay" mentality.
While Easter is right around the corner and the excitement is building, so too are unhealthy Easter treats. Just about everywhere you turn, aisles upon aisles are brimming with toxic candies -- especially this time of year.
That's the bad news.
The good news?
If you want to fill your family's Easter baskets with exciting and beautiful treats that don't contain high-fructose corn syrup, artificial dyes and GMO soy with a hearty dose of Red Dye #40, there are many options. Most children (and adults, let's face it) look forward to that basket of candy, but keeping it healthy and void of toxins takes planning and solid determination. But, it's entirely possible.
Here are a few ways to celebrate without giving in to the sugar and artificial color monsters.
Healthy Easter basket treats
Annie's Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks
These little bunny-shaped organic fruit snacks are perfect for an Easter basket because they not only look adorable, but are certified organic, free of artificial coloring and don't contain gluten.
They're usually found at most grocery stores.
Annie's Organic Cheddar Bunny Crackers
These can also add some color and flavor to an Easter basket. But they also offer a dose of good health; they have no added sugar, no cholesterol and are made with organic wheat flour.
Consider placing the crackers into a sandwich baggie, then forming it into the shape of a carrot for a cute look. Then top off with a green ribbon to create a nice carrot-shaped treat.
Lake Champlaign Organic Chocolate Bunnies
These are truly organic and free of all those things you are trying to avoid. Chocolate lovers, indulge!
They are available at some local grocery stores, including Whole Foods.
Surf Sweets Organic Jelly Beans
Easter isn't Easter without these healthy jelly beans; these are made with; organic fruit juice and come in a variety of flavors including orange, cherry, strawberry and grape.
These are also available at Whole Foods as well as at many natural health stores.
Dying Easter eggs the healthy way
Who doesn't enjoy dying Easter eggs?
However, we can go without the artificial coloring and harmful chemicals that can seep through porous eggshells.
Here are some natural alternatives -- based on your color preference -- that can be added to boiling water (followed by simmering for about 20-30 minutes) when cooking eggs. Afterwards, simply add white distilled vinegar, then dip eggs as you would during the traditional egg-dying process. A general rule of thumb is 1 cup of naturally-colored water to 1 tablespoon of vinegar.
Blue
Bring a cup of red cabbage to boil.
Green
Add spinach to the boiling water. Note that this color requires more simmering time than the 20-30 minutes previously referenced; approximately 2-3 hours will be needed.
Red
Add either pomegranate or beet juice (by grating raw beets) to the boiling water.
Purple
Mash a bunch of blueberries, then add them to boiling water to create a lovely hue.
Yellow
Add 2 tablespoons of turmeric to 3 cups of warm water, stir, then add 3 tablespoons of white distilled vinegar.
Your colors won't be deep or fluorescent, but they will still be colorful and naturally beautiful.
You may also want to ditch the plastic grass to avoid lining your baskets full of BPA (Bisphenol A) and artificial colors. Instead, opt for the shredded recycled paper versions. Your organic chocolate bunny and fruit/vegetable dyed eggs will thank you.
Have a very happy and healthy Easter!
Sources:
http://www.organicauthority.com
http://mamaonagreenmission.com
http://www.organicdeals.com
http://www.organicauthority.com
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