By Kac Young PhD, ND, DCH….. and reformed sugar-holic

I was one of those chocolate-loving, candy-eating kids who adored sweet treats including creamy caramels, toffee bark and chocolate mint chip ice cream. My parents weren’t schooled in the long term effects of eating sugary foods and thought they were doing the right thing.

Over time, an abundance of sugar in the body’s system can lead to reduced bacteria-fighting white blood cells and a compromised immune system. It happened to me. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in my forties and that inflammatory condition lead to a heart attack 7 years ago. I know now that it was partially due to the sugar I ate.

The cumulative blood glucose effect can trigger the onset of diabetes, too. I have changed my evil sugary ways and now eat a heart healthy, anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole grains, low fat, low sodium and low sugar foods. I have reversed the effects of heart disease and could be a candidate for poster child of sugar reformation.

You can avoid the health calamities I experienced by starting early. Set an example for your children and create an Easter gift basket filled with alternatives to sugar and that is much more fun and will last longer. Here are my suggestions:

Choose a medium sized basket and fill it with things like:

• movie passes
• small toys
• money
• coupons for experiences kids would enjoy
• packages of nuts or seeds
• hard boiled eggs
• games
• gift cards
• train tickets
• passes to local attractions
• markers
• stickers
• craft projects
• fresh fruits.
• gardening tools and seed packets for a personal garden.

The idea is to substitute nutrition and protein for a mouth full of sugar. You’ll be able to keep the tradition alive while not spiking your child’s sugar levels. If you need to stay totally traditional with a chocolate bunny, then select a small one made from fair trade organic dark chocolate. Skip the waxy milk chocolate ones that are 35% saturated fat and high in calories and approximately 800-1,000 calories per bunny.

Choosing a healthier holiday basket will keep you hopping for many more Easter’s to come.

– Kac Young , a former television director and producer, has earned a Ph.D. in Natural Health and is a Doctor of both Clinical Hypnotherapy and Naturopathy. She is the author 10 books. Heart Easy is a system of nutritionally sound, delicious meals that promote heart health, long life and taste great. Traditional recipes are turned into heart healthy meals that anyone can make. The health results are outstanding.