The supermarkets are stocked with mountains of chocolate eggs and golden bunnies. The hot cross buns look and smell as tempting as ever. It can be hard to stay on track with healthy eating when temptations are at an all-time high. By following my top 4 Easter tips, you can still enjoy the long weekend without completely derailing your diet and undoing your hard work.
- Don’t skip meals!
The Easter period can disrupt your usually healthy eating habits. Easter is most definitely a special holiday. However, that does not mean you can’t eat like a regular day. Remember to eat your 3 main meals, and snacks if necessary. Don’t skip out on meals to save calories for chocolate later. Include plenty of high fibre grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins throughout the day.
2. Choose quality over quantity.
There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a little chocolate, even if you are watching your weight. Choose the mini Easter eggs and hot cross buns instead of the larger sizes. Look out for dark chocolate eggs. Good quality dark chocolate is low in sugar, and contains antioxidants. Consider dipping fruits into some chocolate – it will feel like you are having something decadent, but in reality it’s just a small portion of chocolate and some fresh fruit. Buy individual treats instead of bulk. When baking Easter goods, swap out the sugar for sweetener, or use a mashed banana for natural sweetness. Try whole-wheat flour instead of refined white flour.
3. Out of sight, out of mind.
Be honest with yourself: if it is in the house you are going to eat it. Try to minimize how much you bring home from the shops, or give to family members as a gift. Some of my patients find it useful to freeze their chocolate so they are less tempted to eat it.
4. Find healthier ways to celebrate Easter.
We need to remember what Easter is about. Besides for its religious connotations, Easter symbolizes family. Shift the emphasis from chocolate to spending time with family, getting active with the kids in the garden and enjoying a break from day to day routine. You don’t have to eat 20 chocolate bunnies to feel closer to your family. Some ideas on how to spend some quality family time include:
- Painting eggs with children
- Egg and spoon race
- Stream Easter services if you can’t get to Church
- Watch an Easter movie
- Get creative and make your own version of this delicious chocolate bark: My Valentines Dark Chocolate Bark Recipe.
Wishing you and your families a very happy Easter!
Shani
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