How to Make a Healthy Easter Basket

Easter is coming up, and for some of us that means a big brunch followed by a helping of candy — think Cadbury Creme Eggs, Peeps, and lots of jellybeans. While we're fans of putting a few treats in our Easter baskets, there's nothing that says we have to weigh it down with chocolate eggs and jellybeans — especially when you consider how many calories are in Easter candy! Whether you're making a basket for a girlfriend or the little one in your life, here are some healthy items to fill it with:

• Carrots — the Easter Bunny loves sharing!
• Healthy homemade desserts like our pumpkin-carrot bars with cream cheese frosting.
• Decorated hard-boiled eggs.
• Spring flowers like tulips or lilies.
• If you're going to go chocolate, choose dark chocolate that's organic or Fair Trade.
• Health and fitness magazines or DVDs.
• Pastel-colored fitness gear like headbands, socks, or workout tanks.
• Especially for kids: puzzles, small toys, stuffed bunnies, stickers, magnets, disposable cameras, packets of seeds and gardening tools, plastic eggs filled with coins or beads, Silly Putty (it even comes in its own egg), pastel-colored socks.