They come out as the sun is just beginning to descend. Creepy ghouls, witches of every size accompanied by maniacal monsters – their numbers scarily increasing as the night progresses. There are hundreds of them now! Coming at you from all corners, banging on your door with frightening determination. There is no escape. Little hands clutching their booty, coming for you..."Trick or Treat!”

It is hard to knock Halloween because, as a big fan of make-believe and dress up, it is actually one of my favorite holidays. But I was scared last season because we were running out of treats, and fast. Halloween in Black Mountain, NC, is like nothing I’ve seen before. Armies of children pouring forth, and they know their candy (healthy snacks are not cool). More than $50 later and after only an hour we had run dry, turning the lights off and running for cover. Alas, we will be more prepared this year!

One of my friends let her child eat ONE piece of candy that night and kept the rest for slow dissemination over the next few months. I commended her strength of will, as she had to oppose the mighty force of her three year old (as ferocious as the little lion’s costume she was wearing). I, instead, recall as a child eating my entire bag in one night. I wolfed my candy down even under the shadow of potentially lurking razor blades. (For those who don't remember, Halloween in the 1980’s was threatened by freaky people putting such sharp objects in candy.)

Ahh…sugar! How many of us have found our “sweet tooths” slipping into decay due to this up and down cycle? Somehow, it is no longer fun to eat sweets; it is no longer thrilling. It is more like a command we must obey against our wills. As we age, we sense the lurking presence of that sharp edged razor blade. We recognize the cost of addictions to sweets, and for many of us, we suffer greatly from this relationship.

Guess what? There is nothing wrong with eating sweets! Sweets are fine. In fact, according to Ayurvedic and yogic philosophy, dating back over 1,000 years, there are at least six specific tastes that are essential and vital to being a normal human being. We have these tastes for a reason, and it is believed that each taste helps to balance our system in some manner. Sweet is one star of the six.

I was recently working with a client that was riddled in guilt due to her sweet addictions. She simultaneously loved and despised sweets causing tumultuous, destructive inner turmoil. My client was shocked when I told her that if eating sweets is what brings her joy, then she should go ahead. I still recall hearing the impact of her fall through the phone! She finally replied with a confused rebuttal, “But… sugar makes me tired, moody and fat. Plus, I have Candida and I can’t eat sugar!”

So there it was. Her statement hit the mark. She had clearly illustrated the misunderstanding that I believe so many individuals face, an assumption that gets a large percentage of our population into trouble. This underlying belief is that the traditional concept of sugar is the only way to enjoy something that tastes sweet. Thus, if biologically we have a natural inclination towards sweet, then according to this assumption, we have no choice but to hold out and then succumb to crappy Hershey Bars and Ben & Jerry binges!

Let us pause for a moment and make the space for a new belief system. Let us wrap our minds around the amazing concept that your sweet tooth can find fabulous ways to enjoy treats that do not have to withdraw from your health account. There are abundant ways to cultivate sweets in your life without the added tricks of processed sugar or high fructose corn syrup (both which should be avoided at all costs!). You can honor your desire for sweets by utilizing low-glycemic alternatives in the form of fruit, syrups, and plant derivatives. My personal favorite is Raw Agave Nectar which is a lower glycemic “sugar” and is even safe for diabetics. I use it in my coffee every morning and it makes fantastic desserts!

Over the years, I have learned to make low-glycemic pies by combining nature’s naturally sweet ingredients such as dates, figs and raisins. I’ve learned many nuts and grains are naturally sweet as well. I’ve discovered how easy it is to make my own ice cream by pureeing frozen coconut milk and fresh berries, lightly dressing it with Stevia powder. Stevia is a plant that tastes sweet, but has zero calories and no sugar whatsoever! From my own adventures of finding healthy alternatives to traditional sweets (that taste darn good!), I have compiled recipe books and even have a yummy cooking class coming up. Pumpkin mousse, anyone? Carrot cake muffins? Raw chocolate bars?! Mmmm...I'll see you on October 21!

Remember, you CAN reconcile your love of sweets without the tricks of unhealthy refined sugars. There ARE fantastic ways to enjoy one of nature’s finest flavors. Finding healthier substitutes for sugar will bring your sweet tooth back to life the way it was intended!

©laynewhitley, 2010. Article may be reprinted with permission.

Layne Whitley, Food & Weight Loss Coach, helps clients lose weight, eat healthier, and feel great… naturally! To get your FREE e-book on lasting weight loss and receive her weekly recipes & success mindset articles on reaching your wellness potential, visit www.laynewhitley.com or email her at coach@laynewhitley.com.