If you've been inundated with chocolate treats this Easter, it can be hard to think of anything else. But while it's important not to totally forget your healthy eating and exercise habits, having fun is also a top priority.
That's why, this week, we have some great advice on how to indulge in the Easter festivities without risking a blowout.
Don’t start too early
The shops have been bursting with Easter treats for some time now, but try not to celebrate too early. Set some rules – perhaps a 'no hot cross buns before Good Friday' and a 'no chocolate eggs before Easter Sunday' rule. Waiting will help make the treats feel extra special too.
Better buys
Easter eggs don’t have to be banned but there is no doubt that you have to tread carefully; the average size chocolate bar (around 54g) provides around 17g of fat, 10g of which is saturated and even a small 30g serve of chocolate contains about 160 calories. If you’re a choc lover who can’t stop until the whole 250g block is gone, you're looking at a whopping 1,345 calories.
On the other hand, chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which can help to prevent a whole range of health conditions, from heart disease to cancer. So if you eat chocolate for its health benefits (yes, we believe you!), choose a dark chocolate that’s at least 70 per cent cocoa.
Here are some other ways to stay on track this Easter:
- Think small. Mini eggs aren’t just for children and, if you find it hard to stop once the foil’s off, they‘re a great option to help you stay in control.
- Drink cocoa made with skim milk and an artificial sweetener to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
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- Indulge in chocolate-dipped fruits or nuts, such as strawberries and blueberries or almonds and walnuts. This way you’ll get the taste with fewer calories and less fat, while boosting your antioxidants at the same time.
- If you’re overloaded with Easter eggs, stash them in a cupboard so they’re out of sight and take them to work or give them to your neighbours on Tuesday.
- Let your family and friends know that you don’t want to be wallowing in tempting chocolate and offer them some alternative gift options, such as a favourite magazine, new bestseller, pretty egg cup, DVD, CD or some Easter decorations.
- Instead of munching on it, why not bathe in it? There are lots of luxurious chocolate-based products out there that'll make you smell good enough to eat!
Do your diary
There's no getting around it; the only way to know exactly what you’re eating and drinking is to enter it into your diary. Do a little experimenting and type in some popular Easter treats to give yourself a good feel for just how many calories each item contains and how much exercise you'll need to do to burn it off.
Here are the calories in a few popular Easter treats to give you a head start in your preparations:
| Easter treat | Calories | Walking-off time (minutes)* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot cross bun | 208 | 65 | |
| Plain croissant | 243 | 76 | |
| Hollow milk chocolate egg (100g) | 538 | 168 | |
| Cadbury's Creme Egg (1x40g) | 183 | 57 | |
| Jelly Babies (5) | 85 | 27 | |
| 1 x 40g Lindt Easter bunny | 217 | 68 | |
*All figures are based on a 70kg woman.
As well as being prepared, keeping focused is a must. Don't worry too much about the odd overindulgence but don't use it as an excuse to give up either. Losing weight and getting healthy is not a race. Do acknowledge what causes you to fall off track. Then, on Tuesday, when the festivities are officially over, get back with the program.
Happy Easter!
I want you to enjoy yourself this Easter, but if you do fall off the wagon or receive criticism for relaxing a little, don't take it to heart.
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