Making a healthy Easter basket may seem like an impossible challenge with all the delicious treats and candies. With the number of overweight children up in America and lots other areas in the world, searching for healthier options this Easter is a top priority for many people. If you want to go healthier this year, check out these methods for some Easter basket fillers with fewer calories and fat.

Building a Healthy Basket Suggestion #1

Pick toys instead of snacks. Generally most baskets have some toys, in the past goodies generally are the items that filled the basket the most. This year, try more toys and less goodies. Kids will tell you they can never have enough toys and they will last longer than just a day. You don't have to spend a fortune. Check the dollar stores and discount stores for smaller yet fun play things. Kids will always enjoy crayons, small reading books and stickers. You can generally find these items for a dollar or less. Other suggestions are small hand-held electronic games, card games or dolls and action figures. Another favorite for the children is a cute stuffed Easter animal. You can usually find these adorable stuffed toys on sale just days before Easter.

Building a Healthy Basket Suggestion #2

Try some candy alternatives. Boxed dried fruits can replace the typical jelly beans. Snacks like these provide a juicy sweetness without the added fat and calories. Plus there is the added plus of vitamins and nutrients your children need. Buy some raisins, dried apricots or even Craisins? from Ocean Spray?. Craisins? are dried sweet cranberry snacks that come in several flavors. You can also get some yogurt and chocolate covered raisins for a bit of an added flavor and fun for your children.

Building a Healthy Basket Suggestion #3

Eliminating the candy all together is not needed. After all this is a special day and children look forward to special treats that Easter bunny brings. So go ahead and add some candy to their basket. Just pick smaller snack sizes and less candies. Add a few snack sized candy bars, chocolate eggs and other fun treats. Just watch the candy intake and spread these little goodies out. Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. Experts say that dark cholocate is actually good for us. The dark chocolate provides antioxidants and is a healthier candy choice. Look for the treats that are lower in calories but still give the sweet taste for your children

Building a Healthy Basket Suggestion #4

Homemade treats are another great way to make your baskets healthier. You can make cupcakes and modify the recipe to reduce the fat. Substitute apple sauce instead of oil and use some sugar substitute to supplement and reduce the refined sugars. Get creative with these healthier snacks and make fun Easter shaped treats for some great family fun. Try Rice Krispy treats? and use cookie cutters to cut them into fun bunny shapes, Easter eggs and other Easter shapes. You can also make sugar cookies with a sugar substitute and top them with melted dark chocolate or peanut butter instead of frosting.

Finding healthy basket alternatives is not only good for you and the kids but is a great way to have some family time together for Easter. Other fun ideas for Easter are to do some kids crafts with the whole family. You can even make your own Easter baskets.