If you’ve been craving sweets during your pregnancy, you’re probably more than a little excited about the fact that Halloween is right on the horizon. Whether you’ll be trick-or-treating with your older kids or handing out candy to the neighborhood children, chances are you’re going to indulge in a piece of candy … or five. And while there’s nothing wrong with a treat every now and then, you’re better off choosing the candy that’s not going to jeopardize your efforts toward staying in shape and getting ready for baby. Here are some of the best and worst types of Halloween candy to consider snacking on this year.
Best: Lollipop
Worst: Airhead
If you want a sweet treat without the chocolate, you’re better off turning to a lollipop than a chewy, sticky Airhead. While lollipops do tend to have a lot of sugar, they don’t have the high calorie count and saturated fat present in Airheads. Plus, when you’re sucking on a pop, you’ll be able to multitask and take care of whatever needs to get done before the arrival of your little one.
Best: 3 Musketeers
Worst: Milky Way
If you’re looking for a better-for-you fun-size candy bar, choose a 3 Musketeers bar over a Milky Way. With 63 calories and 2 grams of fat compared to 75 calories and 3 grams of fat, you’re saving yourself a little wiggle room for whatever else you’ve been craving lately during your pregnancy.
Best: Peanut M&Ms
Worst: Milk Chocolate M&Ms
If M&Ms are your weakness, grab the yellow bag over the brown one when you’re jonesing for candy-coated goodness. Not only is each piece bigger, which may be more satisfying, but you’re getting the added bonus of protein from the peanuts. If you can find dark chocolate M&Ms, that’s even better, as you’ll get an antioxidant boost.
Best: Take 5
Worst: Butterfinger
If you need something crunchy to satisfy your pregnancy cravings, reach for a Take 5 instead of a Butterfinger. The pretzels add plenty of crunch and saltiness with big savings in the calorie department, so you don’t have to worry about bursting out of your cute maternity dresses if you happen to have a few.
Best: Taffy
Worst: Caramels
It pretty much goes without saying that you’ll be saving yourself a lot of fat and calories by chewing on taffy instead of rich caramels. But if you really need that melt-in-your-mouth caramel fix, opt for a sugar-free variety instead.