With the Easter break upon us, many Australians will be celebrating the joy of time spent with family, friends and chocolate. Others will be consoling themselves with the fact that although they have to spend time with family and friends, at least there will be chocolate.
Add to this picture the carbohydrate extravaganza of hot-cross buns, and bloating and regret become the inevitable sequel to this long weekend. It is, however, possible to enjoy the tasty traditions of Easter and still feel good about yourself the next day.
Add to this picture the carbohydrate extravaganza of hot-cross buns, and bloating and regret become the inevitable sequel to this long weekend. It is, however, possible to enjoy the tasty traditions of Easter and still feel good about yourself the next day.
Embrace the dark side
No-one is suggesting you avoid chocolate altogether on Easter. Where is the fun in that? However, instead of opting for milk chocolate eggs, pick out the dark chocolate from that pile of eggs you received today.
In 2008, researchers from the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Copenhagen found that dark chocolate is not only more filling than milk chocolate, it also lessens our subsequent cravings for sweet, salty and fatty foods.
Dark chocolate also has double the antioxidants of milk chocolate, but the good news doesn't stop there. German research has found just six grams of dark chocolate a day can help lower blood pressure. And, of course, you can always add the benefits of fruit to the mix by drizzling melted chocolate over strawberries, bananas or kiwifruit.
In 2008, researchers from the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Copenhagen found that dark chocolate is not only more filling than milk chocolate, it also lessens our subsequent cravings for sweet, salty and fatty foods.
Dark chocolate also has double the antioxidants of milk chocolate, but the good news doesn't stop there. German research has found just six grams of dark chocolate a day can help lower blood pressure. And, of course, you can always add the benefits of fruit to the mix by drizzling melted chocolate over strawberries, bananas or kiwifruit.
Stick to a handful
Many a healthy eater has learned to portion off their plates with 50 per cent vegetables, 25 per cent protein and 25 per cent carbohydrates, but did you know there is a version of this plan for wise Easter eating?
Granted, we hatched it ourselves, but it goes like this: tightly cup your hands together and fill the space you have created with eggs. Don't allow the eggs to reach a height greater than that of your thumbs.
Granted, we hatched it ourselves, but it goes like this: tightly cup your hands together and fill the space you have created with eggs. Don't allow the eggs to reach a height greater than that of your thumbs.
Make sure you restrict yourself to that amount of chocolate – or the equivalent in hot-cross buns – per day over the Easter break and you will end the holidays with both your self-esteem and your waistline intact.
Nibble on rabbit food
According to the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA), you can curb the guilt – not to mention the sugar highs and crashes that come with kids (of all ages) gorging on chocolate all day – by shifting focus from the eggs to the bunny.
In much the same way that we leave treats for Santa's reindeer, perhaps the Easter Bunny would like a snack. And what does a bunny eat? Carrots and celery sticks, of course, which he just loves sharing.
In much the same way that we leave treats for Santa's reindeer, perhaps the Easter Bunny would like a snack. And what does a bunny eat? Carrots and celery sticks, of course, which he just loves sharing.
Join the hunt
The Easter egg hunt is the perfect opportunity for exercise on what can be a rather slothful day. The key to making it more energetic is to spread fewer eggs over a wider area – where children can still be supervised – and delegate the hiding task to one adult.
This means that all the other grown-ups have to join in the fun. The longer everyone spends searching, the more calories they will burn off, and the less treats there are to be found, the lower the calorie count when the eggs are finally eaten.
Hop, skip and jump
All traditions started somewhere and since football seasons are getting into their stride nationwide, a kick around on the oval in the afternoon may be just the thing to burn off your Easter indulgences.
Should you favour something gentler or more traditional, a walk around the block en masse or a trundle to the park with the dog can become a new Easter activity for your clan.
Should you favour something gentler or more traditional, a walk around the block en masse or a trundle to the park with the dog can become a new Easter activity for your clan.
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