As a society we consume more candy and sugar on Easter than all other holidays, except Halloween. Something about the fasting and abstinence during the weeks leading up to Easter makes us more open to the practice of downing as many sugar-coated marshmallows and crème eggs as our insulin levels can stand, and usually guilt free. Of course, there are many people who can’t partake of the annual sugar infused ritual of tearing into a basket of goodies, and Easter should be no less enjoyable for them. Whether you’re watching your waistline or your blood sugar, here are some sugar free, fun alternatives to pop into those Easter baskets this year:



Make your own sugar-free chocolate Easter eggs. Make your own hollow chocolate eggs with sugar-free chocolate wafers. Buy sugar free chocolate wafers at bulk stores or crafting stores and melt in a microwaveable dish on high in the microwave for twenty seconds (add 10 seconds at a time until the chocolate is smooth). Place a tablespoon or two into a plastic Easter egg and snap closed. Swirl chocolate around the egg until it hardens to produce your chocolate egg.

Add a few green-topped carrots. If your loved one believes in the Easter bunny, this is a great way to get him excited about eating carrots. The bunchier the green tops are, the more authentic they will look.

Tuck in some music or movies. Whether you’re stuffing a basket for a child or for an adult, you’re sure to brighten their day with music from a favorite group or a movie featuring a favorite character. Adding new media to your sweetie’s basket also means you won’t have to listen to the same Barney tape for the millionth time.

Fill out with springtime toys. A jump rope, sidewalk chalk and bubbles are all great springtime treats from the Easter bunny. Who cares how old your diabetic husband is? We should all lighten up and get more active, and there’s no better way than with some outdoor toys!

Go ahead, stick in a few marshmallow Peeps. Sugar free Peeps marshmallows are new this season. You don’t have to get a sugar high when you go on a rampage and eat a whole nest full anymore, and you can even skewer them into lollipops to make them more fun for your little one.

Make it look great!

Don’t dwell on the fact that this basket is different. Either make all the baskets left by the bunny the same as this one, or make this one stand out as more special. If other baskets get sugared treats, make sure they don’t get the special carrots from the bunny. If other baskets seem to have more edible treats, fill this one with more toys and music. Easter is traditionally a time of plenty after the fast, so no one should be left wanting!