6 Healthy Substitutions For Halloween Cravings

Halloween is the ultimate temptation for a pregnant woman.

It's bad enough to be an adult this time of year trying to make reasonable food choices with the constant lure of candy, candy, and more candy assaulting you in every aisle of the supermarket, but to be a hormone-raging, always-hungry pregnant woman who doesn't even own pants with a waistband anymore?

Halloween is a whole new battleground, my friends.

And while I won't go so far as to say that we shouldn't enjoy that occasional “fun” sized chocolate bar, in the spirit of being healthy–you know, for the baby and all–how about swapping out some of that candy for some of these more baby-friendly options? Have your cake (sort of) and eat it too!

Go with the dark chocolate.

Eyeing up that chocolate bar? Go for it–but choose a small size and make it a dark chocolate version. There are now versions of dark chocolate in many popular candies, such as Kit Kats and M&M's, or better yet, pick up a real 60% or higher cocoa bar–it's packed with antioxidants!

{ MORE: Halloween: Preschool Unit Study }

Go sunny side up.

Nope, I'm not talking about eggs–I'm talking about Milk Chocolate SunDrops. They are the all-natural alternative to M&M's with no artificial colors or flavors. Nice! They also carry a peanut version, although you'll want to keep that for yourself if there are any allergies in the house!

{ MORE: 4 Ways to Stretch Your Maternity Wardrobe into Fall }

Pop some popcorn.

You know those delicious popcorn balls that always show up this time of year? Well, DIY for a healthier version–pop up some real kernels in an air popper (no added oils!), then drizzle with honey or a small amount of melted dark chocolate for a sweet treat that is full of fiber.

{ MORE: 6 Simple But Impressive Trunk-or-Treat Ideas }

Craisins

I know, I know–that handful of Skittles looks way more appetizing. But you can still get chewy and sweet with some all-natural dried cranberries instead, while skipping the guilt.

{ MORE: 5 Ways to Prepare for Your Fall Baby }

Pumpkin seeds

If salt is what you're after, control the amount and get some vitamins in the process by making your own roasted pumpkin seeds. Clean the seeds, toss or spray with oil, then roast at 350 degrees for ten minutes–just watch them so they don't burn! Plus, you get the fun of carving a pumpkin with your family. Does that count as burning calories?

{ MORE: Need to Know: What is Hip Dysplasia? }

Peppermint

And lastly, if that sucker with the prize is calling your name, swap out the sugar for a peppermint–it will satisfy your sweet tooth and has the added bonus of quelling that nausea caused by morning sickness.

{ MORE: Flu Season: When Should You and Your Baby Get the Flu Shot? }

Which Halloween cravings are you having right now?