When I was pregnant with my first child, I devoured natural childbirth stories almost as much as I scarfed down bowls of cable car chocolate topped with brownie bites at our local frozen yogurt shop.
Every time I indulged in one of these heroic stories, I felt even more confident that our bodies really are made to birth our babies naturally, and that I too could do it.
Unfortunately, as you may have noticed, not everyone on the internet holds the experience of childbirth in such esteem, especially when it comes to doing it naturally.
The fear-mongering of horror stories about birth can be brutal and hard to avoid, and that is the last thing a pregnant mama who is preparing for natural childbirth needs to hear.
To encourage both myself and all the future mamas that would come after me, I began carefully curating a collection of positive natural childbirth stories and eventually published my Positive Natural Birth Storiesbook.
I wanted to take this one step further to connect even more women like me with the natural birth stories their hearts craved in the list below.
This list includes natural childbirth stories from around the web and some in print including:
natural home birth stories
natural hospital birth stories
natural VBAC birth stories
unassisted birth stories
and even natural birth stories of multiples!
So, whether you’re preparing for a natural childbirth yourself or you just love a heart-warming birth story, here are 110 Positive Natural Childbirth Stories. Happy reading!
I know you’re exhausted, and you probably feel like you’ve tried everything, but don’t give up Mama! From books and strategies to supplements and magnesium for toddler sleep, try these these 11 natural ways to help toddlers sleep through the night, at last!
Sleep ideas for toddlers that work! I know you're exhausted, and you probably feel like you've tried everything, but don't give up Mama! Try these these 11 ways to help toddlers sleep through the night.
If you’ve greeted my husband or I with a polite, “How are you?” anytime within the last two and a half years, I can almost guarantee the one word answer we gave.
It wasn’t a generic “fine,” or “good,” but something much more specific: “TIRED.”
From the time we had our son in 2011, we’ve been absolutely exhausted.
It’s been a while since I’ve written anything about the ongoing saga of sleep issues we’ve had with our oldest. Quite frankly, it’s because I had pretty much given up. I started telling myself, surely he’ll sleep through the night by the time he’s 5. (Depressing I know.)
But every once in a while I would hear of some natural remedy or gentle sleep strategy that would give me a hope.
The lack of sleep wasn’t just hard on us. Our poor boy was chronically overtired. He wanted to sleep. He tried to sleep.
He’d happily stay in bed, but falling asleep frequently took two hours. Then he’d be up several times a night, sometimes for an hour or more, unable to sleep or keep still.
Finally, he’d be up for the day at 4:30 or 5 am!
I am happy to say that he finally started sleeping through the night on a fairly consistent basis starting at about 30 months, sooner than I ever thought possible.
This has been a long journey, and this post is going to get quite long. If you’re struggling with total exhaustion, desperate to help your toddler sleep, I don’t want to leave any details out that might help you on your own quest to help your toddler sleep through the night.
So without further ado, here’s what finally worked (along with some things that didn’t) to help my toddler sleep through the night…
Ways to Help Toddlers Sleep Through the Night
The Baby Days
At first, it was the expected newborn stage. Babies need to be fed a couple times in the middle of the night. It’s totally normal up to a year or more.
Sometimes, they have gas or are teething. But this went way beyond that.
At about four months, I finally had the light bulb go on: he exhibited all the characteristics of a high need baby: nursing constantly, almost never napping, up every two hours or more at night, needing to be held all. the.time.
I love my high need baby of course. I was thankful to be his mommy and to be willing and able to provide him the comfort he clearly needed. Still, a person can only go without sleep for so long.
By the time he was seven months old, (I thought) I was at my breaking point. I could do little more than sit and stare into space while holding the baby during the day after being up all night. You can see from my thin blogging archives that any personal time or hobbies was just about zero in those months.
No Cry Sleep Solution
My baby’s doctor loaned me a copy of the No Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley at his 9 month check up. It sounded like the promised land.
It’s a book by a mom of four that helps teach baby to sleep using gentle methods. You can still co-sleep, and you don’t have to let them cry!
Thus, we embarked on Operation Mama Needs Sleep. I thoroughly documented everything about my baby’s sleep as Pantely suggests, even jotting down notes in the dark at 2 am.
I created a detailed bedtime plan. I tried the famous Pantely-pull-off. I made him a lovely and wore it around in my blouse to get my smell on it.
And we did have some success. At about 9-months of age, he went from waking up more than six times a night to about five.
The biggest improvement was in naps. Instead of taking several 20-40 minute naps a day on me, I was able to get him to sleep in bed for up to an hour at a time without having to hold him the whole time.
I made my baby an organic cotton sleep sack and avoided synthetic fabrics that might cause allergies or irritation.
I put a thermometer in the bedroom to make sure it was the ideal 70 degrees.
I attempted to do a breastfeeding elimination diet to rule out food allergies and sensitivities, specifically dairy. However, I was so exhausted at that time that I kept forgetting and eating dairy! I suspect that this is a strategy that would have worked for us if I would have had the capacity at that time.
If you have a fussy baby who has frequent and severe spit up and explosive diapers or who is sick frequently, you might consider trying an elimination diet if you’re feeling up to it. (Don’t let these symptoms be overlooked like I did.)
This is a diet in which you as the breastfeeding mom eliminate foods from your diet that may be causing your baby digestive issues through your milk. Dr. Sears has a thorough list of foods that could cause irritation in The Baby Book with instructions on how to do the diet. The New Childhood Epidemicsbook also has a great list.
A new doctor, a boatload of supplements
By his 18 month check up we had moved to eastern Washington, and I had sought out a naturally-minded pediatrician who had done a lot of research into natural supplements and homeopathic remedies.
With this perfect cocktail, she had taken her son from frequent hospital stays for his asthma, to not even needing meds.
She recommended a similar regimen for my son, including a multivitamin (we used Kids Liquid Calm), fish oil, and vitamin D among other things.
For the first time ever, he started sleeping through the night about two out of every seven nights. Progress!
Because getting breastmilk right before bed and throughout the night was going to make nighttime potty training difficult, we also decided to night wean.
My husband started putting him to bed and getting up with him throughout the night. There were some tears, but after about a week they had their own bedtime routine worked out without Mama’s help.
If you’ve spent much time searching for sleep solutions for your little ones, it’s likely you’ve come across the advice that their constant waking is because they just want to nurse all night, and if you would only night wean them (or wean them completely), they would sleep through.
It seems to me that breastfeeding is blamed all too often for any number of childhood issues.
Night weaning worked splendidly for potty training. However, night weaning did not improve BabyE’s sleep.
It did however improve my sleep, as his daddy got up with him in the middle of the night, and I got to stay in bed. It was perfect timing, as I was so exhausted at the beginning of my pregnancy.
Dietary Changes
My son had been gluten free and mostly dairy free for quite some time. However, I was (and still am) concerned about him getting enough Calcium, so I continued to give him yogurt. Plus he loved it.
When he was about 28 months old, I finally cut dairy completely out of his diet.
Some of his chronic tummy issues subsided immediately.
He began sleeping through about three times a week and went back to sleep more easily when he did wake up.
He went from getting sick every two weeks (pretty much constantly) to once every couple of months.
Bedtime Routine
At around 30 months, we sat down one night and developed this rigorous bedtime routine to help our “baby” (now a toddler quickly growing into a preschooler) wind down and get ready to sleep.
Here are complete details of our bedtime routine, with information about a few different supplements we use.
1. Get Ready.
Be sure to put PJs and potty in the bathroom ahead of time so he didn’t get wound up running around the house while we were trying to find these items later.
2. Offer 1 tsp of coconut oil on a spoon.
This idea came from Bulletproof Executive that recommends eating protein and fat such as coconut oil at dinner or before bed to improve sleep. (Alternatively they suggest honey and krill oil. We tried the honey without the krill oil, but didn’t have any luck.)
We started by offering a mix of peanut butter and coconut oil, but E found he preferred just the coconut oil alone, and it worked just as well. We always have protein with dinner, so that part of the equation was already taken care of.
It makes sense to me why this works. Over the past year or so, when E would take a long time to fall asleep or would wake up in the middle of the night, he would communicate to us that he was hungry.
And most of the time, he convinced us that this (which many would deem toddler manipulation) was authentic by eating a full meal in the middle of the night, even if he’d eaten plenty at every meal during the day. He was like the Very Hungry Caterpillar! It was almost shocking to see how much he put away.
The protein and coconut oil provided fuel to last him through the night and helped to stabilize blood sugar, so he didn’t feel hungry anymore.
3. Make time for bath time.
I add about 1/2 cup epsom salt in a warm bath and let him soak and play in it for at least 20 minutes before bed. Much thanks to Angela at Grassfed Mama for her series on sleep that mentioned this trick.
4. More Magnesium.
Get out of the bath and rub about 1/2 teaspoon magnesium oil lotion on his belly before putting on pajamas, going potty, and brushing teeth.
I started doing this back when I did my review of magnesium lotion for Creative Christian Mama, but I was sporadic about remembering. Now it is a regular part of our routine because it works.
There’s magnesium in both the Epsom salt and magnesium lotion which helps the muscles relax and the body get restful sleep, among many other benefits. You can take a magnesium supplement orally, but it is generally thought to be absorbed best through the skin.
These two sleep strategies work for moms too!
When I was experiencing pregnancy induced insomnia with my second pregnancy, I would get up and rub magnesium lotion all over my belly. I’d get back in bed and almost immediately fall deeply asleep.
Then the other night, I decided to try an Epsom salt bath for myself to help with achy muscles. Oh me oh my! Shortly afterward, I was knitting and having a conversation with my husband, and I was literally falling asleep mid-stitch and mid-sentence!
5. Lights out.
Then E goes and gets in bed (usually jumps thanks to taking our suggestion to “jump in bed” literally). We turn on a loud box fan for white noise.
Then we read him three stories. He gets up to potty one last time and turns out the lights.
Finally, we sing 3 songs (Twinkle, twinkle, little star seems to do the trick the best) and then we sit by his bed and sneak out once he’s asleep.
We’ve been doing this for long enough now that we occasionally leave before he’s fully asleep and he actually stays in there, yawns and talks to himself, and FALLS ASLEEP. BY. HIM. SELF! I seriously never dreamed this day would come!
Sleeping through the Night!
For so many months we had prayed (along with our friends and family) for the wisdom to help our boy sleep through the night. I am so thankful that this prayer has been answered!
I don’t believe it was just a matter of age, him growing up, that made this drastic improvement. This change happened over night as soon as we implemented the last of these gentle sleep strategies.
As you can tell by the length of this post, baby and toddler sleep problems are a really complex issue. If you and your toddler are struggling with sleep issues, I want to encourage you to hang in there.
Every kid is different, and what works for one will certainly be different than what works for another. If these ideas don’t work for you, keep searching.
11 Ways to Help Toddlers Sleep Through the Night
So, assuming you’re an exhausted sleep deprived mama like I was, here’s a recap of the 11 gentle sleep techniques I mentioned in the ridiculously long post above:
Breastfeeding Elimination Diet (See Dr. Sears’ Baby Book)
Doing my research while I was so exhausted was tough. And the prolonged sleeplessness led to severe adrenal burnout for me that I am still trying to fight my way out of.
If you try out the tips above and aren’t seeing results, please get help for the health of you and your baby.
I pray you too will find a restful night’s sleep soon!
What gentle methods have helped your toddler fall asleep and stay asleep? Share your story in the comments.
Original article and pictures take growingslower.com site
With the cold and flu season upon us, it's important to find ways to stay healthy. Thankfully, there are many foods that boost your immune system that can help you be healthier.
Even when we eat healthy and try to stay fit, we can sometimes fall prey to a cold or fever. As we grow up, our immune system can sometimes fail us.
For a young child who is still growing and developing, the immune system plays an especially crucial role.
When functioning well, the immune system helps protect you from infections and diseases. None of us want to be sick, but such illnesses could potentially hamper growth and stall a child's development. However, proper nutrition helps improve the functioning of your child's immune system to help avoid such problems.
To help everyone be healthier, here are 11 super foods that will help you and your child stay healthy and in the face of many onslaughts.
Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods that are considered to be especially beneficial for your health.
Typically, when one talks about superfoods, people have thoughts of things like goji, spirulina, chlorella, elderberries, wheatgrass, pomegranate, acai, and more.
In this post, you can see some superfoods featured in Delicious Superfood Berry Popsicles. They are a great way to get high quality nutrition into your body in a delicious treat.
However, truly there is no real definition of superfoods, so really it's a nutrient-rich food.
For this blog post, the idea is to figure out ways to get good nutrition into you and your kids easily.
Let's face it. Life is hectic enough already without adding hard-to-find foods onto your grocery list.
So this list of 11 Superfoods is made up of foods that are more readily available so parents all over the world can easily get these into their kids' (and into their own) diets.
1. Citrus
Citrus fruits such as oranges and limes have high vitamin C content. They are also rich in antioxidants.
Antioxidants are beneficial for the immune system as they help fight free radical damage and prevent cell breakup.
2. Green Leafy Vegetables
Vegetables come loaded with fiber and nutrients and are some of the healthiest foods on the planet. Green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and cabbages are loaded with essential vitamins and antioxidants that boost immune system functioning.
Yogurt is packed full of good bacteria that helps with digestion and in turn help with your child's immune system. These are otherwise known as probiotics and aid the immune system in fighting harmful infections and bad bacteria.
Please do choose organic yogurt whenever possible. And if you cannot eat dairy, coconut yogurt is a great alternative.
4. Nuts
Nuts like almonds, peanuts, and walnuts are great sources of fats. They also contain vitamin E and zinc along with a good amount of antioxidants. They are also versatile and easy to mix with different foods.
Fatty fish like tuna and salmon are excellent sources of omega three fats. These healthy fats improve white blood cell activity.
This once again helps shore up the immune system.
6. Berries
Blueberries are famous for their high antioxidant content, but almost all berries are very healthy.
They contain flavonoids and phytochemicals, which are powerful antioxidants. Berries are versatile and can be used to make a range of healthy smoothies, desserts and more for your kids.
Eggs are one of the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet. They are rich in protein and vital vitamins along with antioxidants.
They also have essential fats making them a superfood. Eggs and dishes made from eggs make a perfect breakfast for you and your child.
8. Peas
While kids aren't very fond of peas, they are an extremely versatile food. Peas are another green food which is rich in antioxidants.
Carotenoids, polyphenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids are some powerful antioxidants present in peas.
You can, of course, eat peas alone, but here is a dish that has load of peas in it.
9. Garlic
Garlic is famous for causing bad breath. However, it is also useful for fighting bacteria. Infections that affect the stomach through bad bacteria can be prevented by eating garlic. Try and get your child used to the pungent flavor of garlic from a young age. Peeling garlic can be a bother, of course, so here is a post on How to Easily Peel Garlic.
10. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene that is converted into vitamin A once ingested. Vitamin A helps maintain healthy skin.
Healthy skin is one of the first defenses for your child to protect against viruses and bacteria.
11. Honey
Honey makes a great alternative to sugar and can be added to a child or adult's diet quite easily.
This natural sweetener is packed with antioxidants and helps relieve allergies (when local honey is used).
As parents, we're always striving to ensure children get the best that we can possibly give them.
Not only do these 11 foods taste great, but they are also important for yours and your child's health. Whether sweet or savory, vegetable or fruit, you should try including as many of them as possible in their diet.
This will ensure they stay healthy, and are able to withstand the seasonal flu and cold that usually plagues all of us.
What are you waiting for?
Get started with these superfoods today!
Do you eat any of these Superfoods regularly? What powerhouses would you add to the list?
Aradhana is a writer from India. Her areas of knowledge include parenting, children with special needs, health and lifestyle. She loves being outdoors and her hobbies include cycling and hiking. Aradhana has a special interest in children with special needs and parenting and shares her experiences through her other passion, writing. She writes to share her knowledge so that it may help others. Her posts on these subjects have been published on more than 250+ various reputed sites like the Huffington post, SheKnows, Mom Junction and many more. Aradhana writes to inspire and motivate people to adopt healthy habits and live a stress-free lifestyle.
Original article and pictures take wholenewmom-wu160izso06zk4amiyc.stackpathdns.com site
11 Recipes You’ll Never Know Are Full of Vegetables
Getting your kids to eat anything at all can be battle enough, but getting them to eat vegetables can be downright impossible at times. What if you could get your kids to eat vegetables without knowing it and without any complaining, whining or a single tantrum? Sound too good to be true? It’s not! While hiding them isn’t the most ideal way to get your kids to eat vegetables, sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do. Here are 11 recipes, each with at least one sneaky vegetable, that will please both parent and child.
1. Veggie Breakfast Scramble: Make a batch of these breakfast muffins and stick them in the freezer for busy mornings. You’ll have time to get ready and your toddler will be eating quinoa, zucchini, tomatoes and egg with every bite and have no idea. Win-win! (via Becky’s Best Bites)
2. Black Bean Brownies: If your kids insist on dessert, make it something you can feel good about too. These sneaky brownies are made with a can of black beans for an extra punch of protein. (via The Pretty Bee)
3. Secret Green Rice: Not only is this rice a cool color, but it’s also hiding THREE veggies in there. So while your kid thinks they’re just devouring their favorite color, you know they’re really eating cauliflower, spinach and avocado. (via My Fussy Eater)
4. Smoky Vegetable Penne: Pasta is the perfect family-friendly meal, especially when the sauce is full of vegetables like carrots, mushrooms and corn. (via Baby Centre Blog)
5. Sweet Corn Fritters: These corn fritters are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside and sure to be a hit with adults and kids alike. Store any leftovers in the freezer and reheat as needed for a grab-and-go snack with some substance. (via Annabel Karmel)
6. Chicken + Veggie Nuggets: Sometimes just making the food into a fun shape is enough to entice little ones to try a bite. It doesn’t hurt that these nuggets are filled with an entire bag of frozen mixed veggies either. Shine on, Mom. (via Cheeky Kitchen)
7. Cauliflower Pizza Bites: Watch your kids’ eyes light up when they find out they’re having pizza for lunch. Go ahead and pat yourself on the back as they devour the cauliflower crust without hesitation. (via A Healthy Slice of Life)
10. Chocolate Avocado Pudding: Score extra points with the whole family by serving heaping bowls of chocolate pudding for dessert. Just make sure you dispose of the avocado skin before anyone sees it, because that’s the only way they’ll ever know it was there. (via Forgiving Martha)
11. Veggie Lasagna: Please even the most stubborn carnivore with this easy-to-put-together lasagna that has a hidden layer of diced zucchini and mushrooms in the middle. (via Hello Splendid)
How do you plan on upping your kids’ veggie intake? Will you give any of these recipes a try? Dish it up and leave us a comment!
Original article and pictures take pixel.brit.co site
Like many kids, I had braces in high school. It was such a horrible and painful experience – feeling like my teeth were slowly being ripped out of my mouth. Then there were the routine tightenings – oi, those hurt!
Then as if that wasn’t enough, just before I began my last year of high school, I underwent major jaw surgery. They broke both jaws and repositioned them, using permanent titanium screws and plates to secure them. It was easily one of the hardest experiences of my life.
I also had eight teeth pulled in preparation for the braces.
So, needless to say, I know a thing or two about mouth/jaw/teeth pain.
Thus, when my babies are teething, I have sympathy. Heaps of it.
For the past several weeks, Canaan has been enduring three teeth coming in all at once (two of them are upper molars!), and they are taking their sweet time to do so. Poor kiddo. I think we’re through the worst of it now – he’s (sorta) happy again… but man was he ever in pain.
This our third baby and we’ve tried pretty well everything out there, it seems. I thought I’d share a few ideas with you!
Things to Try
1. Cold or frozen foods
Pickles, carrots, apple slices, frozen peas, etc. Give them cold, straight from the fridge (don’t use this one when baby has a top and bottom tooth because little pieces could be bitten off and become choking hazards). Canaan is a toddler now, and he loves dill pickles and apple chunks, and he eats frozen peas by the bucketful.
The two most well-known makers of homeopathic teething meds are Boiron and Hyland’s. I haven’t been able to get my hands on any Hyland’s Teething Tablets, which I’d like to try. The Boiron Camilia is decent, but not always strong enough for the rough days, we’ve found. We have tried the Hyland’s Gel (applied straight to the gums) but I won’t buy it again because I’ve discovered there are parabens in it.
3. Vanilla extract
The real stuff, not the imitation. Check your label (or make your own!). The tiny amount of alcohol (vanilla extract is made with vodka) provides a numbing relief. Just apply a tiny bit with your finger.
4. Cold/frozen cloth
Dip it in chamomile tea and freeze it. Chamomile has calming effects. We have an organic cotton teething toy called a Ringley, and I have dipped that and frozen it before.
5. Sophie the giraffe
This toy, invented in France nearly 50 years ago, and is made from 100% rubber, with safe food-grade paint. It has been a hit with both of my younger two kids.
6. Your finger
If in a bind, your finger is always accessible, easy to clean, and nice and soft to chew on. Plus then you can feel how many teeth are in, and far up they’ve come.
7. Wood
Another natural material, wood is a worry-free option for gnawing and gumming. It’s also a little bit soft (depending on the type of wood), which is nice for baby. We prefer to use untreated and unpainted wood items.
8. Amber or hazelwood necklace
We had one of these gifted to us by friends who use one on their own babies. Some claim that they work wonders. I’ve had mixed results – it’s hard to measure and know for sure. I wasn’t sure with Aliza, but I’ve become more convinced that it works on Canaan.
9. Herbal remedies
Clove oil, belladonna, chamomile, etc. There are all kinds of herbal remedies out there to treat inflammation and pain. We’ve tried the clove oil very sparingly (it’s said to possibly cause tummy aches if overused), and it did seem to help, but we haven’t used it enough times to know for sure.
10. Prayer, and a hefty dose of patience
I’m guessing (hoping) that I’m not the only one who gets grouchy easily when the baby just Won’t Stop Fussing. It grates your nerves after a while, you know? A baby that is super fussy and whiny due to teething, not sleeping well, etc. usually requires extra doses of patience, and lots of prayer sent up, for both baby and mama.
11. Change of scenery/distraction
Sometimes, the only thing that worked when we were all about to go crazy was to just get out of the house. Go for a walk, go for a play date, go to the library. Or invite someone over. Anything for a change of pace!
Things I Avoid
1. Tylenol (acetaminophen)
We have used this in the past, but are learning about the associated risks (liver and kidney damage, etc) of taking it, and are swiftly moving away from using it at all, especially for our children. (We also try to avoid other OTC’s like ibuprofen as well.)
2. Teething gels
Most teething gels on the market contain benzocaine, a numbing agent. Most parents assume that these are safe, since they’re legally sold and marketed for babies. However, the FDA has recently stated: “Benzocaine products should not be used on children less than two years of age, except under the advice and supervision of a healthcare professional. Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to consider the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations for treating teething pain instead of using the benzocaine teething products”.
3. Joining the grouching
It’s probably pretty obvious to all of us, but sometimes it takes a real concerted effort to remain calm and not spiral into a pity party (I should say, I TRY to avoid this one, but don’t always succeed!).
4. Plastic teething toys
Due to the many concerns with plastics, I’d rather avoid them altogether instead of finding out down the road that they’ve banned yet another ingredient in plastic toys that babies are sucking and chewing on all day long. Life Without Plastic says “You may wish to seriously consider your – and especially your children’s – use of plastics numbered 1, 3, 6 and 7 (polycarbonate), all of which have been shown to leach dangerous chemicals. This does not necessarily mean the others are completely safe, just that they have been studied less to date” (emphasis mine).
(edited and reposted from the deep, dark archives)
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional, and this post should not be taken as medical advice. Please do your own research. Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice.
Original article and pictures take redandhoney.com site
Plus I'll send you a free copy of "Your Simply Healthy Handbook." It's your #1 resource to make healthy living easy.
Looking for healthier, more natural Halloween candy options. Um, yeah. Me, too.
Here’s the thing – I am a crazy planner. I am always weeks, months, even years ahead of myself. I love to be organized, on top of things, timely, and prepared. But for some reason, I always seem to fail at holidays. FAIL.
Halloween is no exception. Each year I WANT to get better candy options for my kids, the neighborhood, etc. But somehow I always forget and then I’m running to Walmart last minute to try and anything to pass out. But not this year!
This year I’m taking back Halloween.
Just because I believe in healthy living does not mean I can’t enjoy holidays. It does not mean my kids have to eat kale for Halloween (puhlease). I believe in balance. And I think healthy living means enjoying celebrations that leave lasting memories.
So yeah, Halloween is coming – and I’m getting ready weeks before the day. I don’t want my kids to miss out on all the fun their friends are having, but I also don’t want to completely say goodbye to their health in the name of a holiday. When you look at most traditional candies you’ll see an insane amount of sugars, high fructose corn syrup, corn starch, soy lecithin, soybean oil, fructose, canola oil and more.
Talk about scary.
Luckily there are some options out there that can put our hearts at ease while still giving a sweet treat to your littles. Plus, a lot of these are allergy-friendly which means all kids can enjoy the holiday a little more.
Of course, candy is still candy. Just because it’s “better” doesn’t mean it’s healthy. You know that, right? But still, it’s easier to indulge and have fun when you’re eating something better for you.
11 Healthier, More Natural Halloween Candy Options
YumEarth is great about giving some more natural candy options. These lollipops have a spooky theme to them which is perfect for Halloween candy. Plus they are gluten free, peanut free, nut free, dairy free, egg free, shellfish free, soy free… basically with no artificial colors or high fructose corn syrup, they are a great option for many people looking for a more natural treat. Check them out here.
This 5-pound bag will ensure you can keep giving candy to all the neighborhood without feeling like you are passing around harmful ingredients. So many flavors and all with no synthetic dyes, artificial flavors, or high-fructose corn syrup. Add in that it’s gluten free, dairy free and peanut free – this is a pretty perfect natural Halloween candy option. Check them out here.
3. OCHO Mini Coconut Pouch
Maybe you’re more of a chocolate person. Don’t worry OCHO has you covered with these delicious mini coconut chocolate treats. With certified organic ingredients you can bite into this deliciousness without all the guilt. Check them out here.
4. OCHO Mini Peanut Butter Pouch
Are you a peanut butter lover? The delicious gooey peanut butter filling in these chocolate bars will hit all those sweet tooth cravings. And, of course, you don’t have to worry about as many artificial ingredients! Check them out here.
5. OCHO Mini Caramel Pouch
For me, it’s all about the chocolate and caramel duo. Luckily, going a more natural route with your candy doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your favorites. This organic candy bar is so delicious. Check them out here.
6. Justin’s Nut Butter Mini Peanut Butter Cups
For those that are peanut butter cup fans (you know who you are) never fear – we have you covered as well! These little peanut butter cups contain none of the scary ingredients but still give you that yummy peanut butter chocolatey goodness. Check them out here.
7. Surf Sweet Gummy Products – Allergy safe!
Another favorite for me as a child was all things gummy. Gummy bears, gummy worms, jelly beans… you name it. Luckily Surf Sweets has all three in delicious flavors but with organic ingredients! And these are safe for the 10 most common food allergies (nut, gluten, dairy, soy, egg, fish, and more!). Check them out here.
Who loves tootsie rolls? Well, then you’ll love these choco chews. These are just like the dearly loved tootsie rolls but with all organic ingredients. Packed with the same delicious flavor with no artificial colors or additives. Check them out here.
9. Endangered Species Bug Bites, Smooth Dark Chocolate –
Gluten & Dairy Free
For the simple chocolate lovers look no further than these chocolate bars. They come with insect trading cards, are certified non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher, and made with ethically traded and sustainably grown cocoa. Plus some of the profits go to help support wildlife preservation
For whatever reason, rootbeer candy was something my brother and I used to fight over on Halloween. It was like striking gold. If you are a lover of Root Beer candy then you’ll love these organic root beer drops. Check them out here.
11. Surf Sweets Spooky Spiders – Allergy Friendly
If you are one that loves to have a Halloween theme with the candy they give away then these spooky spiders are perfect. They are a delicious gummy treat with organic fruit juice and all natural colors and flavors. The neighborhood will love them. Check them out here.
Yes, candy is still candy. Remember my friends: moderation. But with these awesome products, you won’t have to feel the guilt when you reach for a sweet treat or worry about what you are giving away to all the other children in your neighborhood. Or hey, enjoy some for yourself.
Happy Halloween!
Do you have a favorite natural Halloween candy?
Sources:
Original article and pictures take www.thankyourbody.com site
11 FREE Early Learning Tools Worth $100 (This week only!)
This is only the beginning of all the fun we’re going to have as we hit the big 10-year mark here at Heavenly Homemakers. This freebie offer happened to land in my lap just in time!
If you or someone you know has young children at home, you must take advantage of this freebie! You can get 11 Early Learning Tools worth $100 for FREE – no catch! It’s just free. And it’s full of professional pre-school materials! Share the love!
I included my Kids Character Charts in this free package, so if you’ve been eyeing that, here’s you chance to get the entire set for free!
Yep, that’s free right now. Along with all of this:
