National Candy Corn Day

October 30th is National Candy Corn Day

I am sure that no one will be surprised to learn that October 30th is National Candy Corn Day! Candy corn has been a favorite Halloween treat for over 100 years. Invented in Philadelphia in the 1880’s it was a originally a big hit with the farmers as it was designed to resemble dry corn.

Candy Corn Is All Sugar

The candy corn recipe has not changed much over the years, although the method has.
When the Wunderlee Candy Company (now Jelly Belly) invented candy corn it was made by hand and was only available during the fall season. Today of course it is made by machine and is available year round. Candy corn even comes in colors for other seasons like Valentines Day, Christmas and Easter. The main ingredients for candy corn were and still are sugar and corn syrup. As sugary treats go, it is not too bad of a choice to satisfy your kids or your own sweet tooth. Unlike many other candies, it does not contain high fructose corn syrup. (modern versions do have hydrogenated fats though) Twenty-two pieces are only 140 calories and probably sweet enough to satisfy even the sweetest sugar craving.

Halloween Sweet Choices

Life is about choices. Halloween is no exception. Don’t fall into the frenzy of Halloween gluttony. Teach your children how to make good sweet choices. Teach them how to enjoy their holiday in moderation without overindulging. Share these Halloween articles with your family, friends and kids. Halloween can be a time to enjoy and educate kids on fun, fast and healthy sweet snacks. Sometimes the old fashioned ways are the best choices. The sweet candy corn is certainly not good-for-you food. Candy corn is fun and can be a choice that is better than others.

Healthier Candy Choices – Payday® Candy

The Payday® candy bar is one of the healthier candy choices. It is still candy. Payday® is not a health food and yet it is very similar or even better in ingredients than most protein or power bars. The Payday® is a good choice candy bar when you are looking for healthier Halloween choices without taking all of the fun out of Halloween.

Payday® is high in protein

Just like most power bars Payday® includes a healthy dose of protein. Payday® is a peanut and caramel candy bar. It is delicious and nutritious. Peanuts are not really a nut, but a legume. Legumes are edible seeds enclosed in pods like black beans and soybeans. Peanuts contain protein and amino acids, the building blocks for muscle. I actually use Payday® as a protein bar for may post workout snack sometimes. Peanuts are natural sources of vitamin E and B vitamins. The B vitamins found in peanuts are important to energy production in your body. Milk, soy powder and egg whites also add to the protein in a Payday®.

Payday® is high in carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are important for energy production and also muscle building. The sugar in a Payday® is corn syrup. This is not the healthiest choice of sugars and yet it is not the worst choice either. Corn syrup is far better than the high fructose corn syrup that is in most candies. The carbohydrates in Payday® are great for a post work out snack and a better choice for your kids on Halloween.

Payday® is low in chemicals

The Payday® candy bar has low in artificial flavors, chemicals or colors and relatively low in “unknown” additives. The Payday® has only carrageenan, (a plant based color), mono and diglycerides, (made from coconuts). Although I do not advocate those ingredients as being good choices, the Payday® is a pretty “clean” candy or protein bar compared to the competition.

Teach your children good candy choices

Life is about choices. Halloween can be a terrific opportunity to give your kids the gift of healthy for the future. Halloween can be fun and healthy too! Teach your children how to have fun on Halloween and make better choices that will impact their lives into the future. Learn more about good family food choices when you just click here.

Ezekiel Bread Is Living Grains

Ezekiel Bread Is The Best

Ezekiel brand bread is my favorite bread. It is one of the best made breads available at the grocery store. Ezekiel bread is not made with whole grain flour, but sprouted grains. It is flour-less. It is truly 100% live grain bread, and certified organic. Living grains are not ground into flour, but sprouted with warm water to allow the live vitamins and nutrients to become more intense. The sprouting process not only increases vitamins and minerals but also causes a natural change that allows the protein and carbohydrates to be more easily absorbed.

Ezekiel Has Only Good Ingredients

The ingredients list is simple and clean: organic, sprouted wheat, barley, millet, lentils, soybeans, spelt, yeast and sea salt. That is it. No flour, preservatives, or chemicals. Ezekiel bread comes in many flavors: Cinnamon Raisin, Sesame, Sprouted Wheat.

Good Choice For Vegetarians

All of the breads are low glycemic, low carb with only 15 grams of carb per slice. Each slice has 4 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. Due to the variety of sprouted grains in the bread, Ezekiel bread is a complete protein and a terrific choice for everyone especially vegetarians.

Good bread is hard to find

I would prefer a fresh made bread. Unfortunately, you will not find any decent choices of breads at the grocery store other than Ezekiel. Most of the bread in the fresh bread section is a blend of whole grain and white flour. When you do find a 100% whole grain (as listed in the ingredient list), then it carries high fructose corn syrup, other sugars, chemicals, bread conditioners or hydrogenated fats in the ingredient list. If you can find a good quality bakery in your area, you may be able to find a quality bread made with whole grains and other quality ingredients. Remember it must say whole or 100% or stone ground in the ingredient list right in front of the grain type. It is hard to find true whole grain, because the grocery store choices are few and far between and the bakery frequently doesn’t have their ingredient list available. Ask to see the ingredient list. It is their responsibility to have it for you. If they don’t have it, then don’t by their bread. If you can not find a fresh whole grain flour bread at a bakery near you then try Ezekiel Bread. It is found in the freezer case of your favorite grocery store. Your family deserves the best bread, take the time to find one and stick with it!