FitSpirit: Fit for Easter

FitSpirit explores the mind-body connection and the intangible benefits we gain from our efforts to stay physically fit.

My kids are still whittling away at their Valentine's Day candy while Easter looms right around the corner -- Sunday, March 23 is the big day. That means more candy. Candy from school. Candy hidden in eggs. Candy lining the aisles of every store we drop by. Candy. Candy. Candy.

Candy-filled holidays present a challenge for me. I want to limit my kids' sugar intake. I don't want them to go overboard on calories either. Still, I want them to enjoy the sweet occasions that seem to arrive on every page of my calendar. What scares me is what this blogger has to say: "A few studies have recently estimated that Easter rivals Halloween and Christmas for copious candy consumption among kids, with the average Easter basket packing a whopping 4,000 calories or more in sugar alone."

Fortunately, this same blogger calms my fears with a few suggestions for building baskets with health in mind. Check out these ideas fit for Easter.

• Substitute a huge solid-filled chocolate bunny with a more moderate sized hollow bunny.

• Don't include a whole bag of jelly beans but a handful or two.

• Give a bit of variety with candy while you avoid a large volume.

• Shop around for low sugar snacks but avoid those that use artificial sweeteners. Evidence suggests these may be worse on the body than sugar itself.

I could also substitute a few fun trinkets for candy, throw in some fun coupons redeemable for miniature golf maybe, and toss in a jump rope too. Ah, peace of mind.