TweetCandy is a staple of the modern diet. Millions of pounds of chocolate are sold each year to candy fanatics and chocoholics.

But there's more than one kind of sugary sweet to enjoy. Peppermint and spearmint-flavored candies help to refresh the mouth and calm the tummy after a heavy meal. Chewy caramels, crispy coated nuts, gooey nougat, and luscious peanut butter are a few of the additional flavors and candy textures that can be found in vending machines or store aisles.



When you go looking for a sweet treat with the mindset of finding one that isn't all that bad for you, try one of the following and put your conscience at ease:


1. Dark chocolate. Recent studies suggest that dark chocolate, when eaten in moderation, may actually be good for you. Containing flavenoids, the same beneficial substance found in grape juice and wine, dark chocolate is rich in nutrients that, like those found in its distant opium cousin, calm the mind and soothe the body. This treat can help to unclog arteries, reduce high blood pressure, and purify the blood. Just don't eat too much of it due to the high fat content with which it is made into candy.


2. Hard candies. Butterscotch, peppermint, and fruit flavored rings like Lifesavers provide a quick picker upper for anyone in need of a sugar fix. Ex-drinkers and smokers often suck on these lozenge-type candies to satisfy the sweet craving that often accompanies their former addictions. These tasty snacks are inexpensive, low in calories, and provide a colorful as well as delicious addition to your home's candy dish, whether set out for family members or guests. Keep out of the reach of young children, who can swallow them whole and choke.


3. Coated nuts. Almonds, cashews, and peanuts are among the most popular of the nut family that are used as candy when coated with mouth-satisfying flavors. Milk or white chocolate, sugar, honey, caramel, and other coverings render these crunchy delights even more enjoyable. The added bonus is that nuts help to meet our daily requirements for vitamin E and fiber, along with other nutrients that can be hard to get through alternative food groups. Don't let young children have these, as they can pose a choking hazard.


4. Fruit chews. If you enjoy the challenge of chewing taffy or the taste of mouth-watering caramel, you'll love the range of fruity chews that are currently available by various candy companies. Fruit roll-ups, gushers, and chunks offer a refreshing workout for your teeth and jaw muscles. Low in carbs and fat, you can enjoy a handful of these without incurring guilt.


5. Cereal bars. Many popular breakfast cereal companies now offer their famous products in a bar form for on-the-go or take-it-with-you breakfasts. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the convenience of these delicious treats. Although they taste like candy, they're full of nutrients that help to protect health and satisfy appetites better than a fatty doughnut or greasy sausage.


Whatever your taste in candy, there's a luscious snack waiting for you that can be eaten without compromising your budget or your diet. Shop the snack aisle at your supermarket to find one or more varieties that will brighten your day and sweeten your tooth!

TweetHMMM snickers, I can't stay away.