Easter is fast approaching! This is a time of year where there is temptation all around us. Chocolate and hot cross buns have been in the shops for months and months, making it difficult for us to ignore! The good news is you do not have to avoid Easter treats completely! Like always, it is about not depriving yourself but maintaining a balance. Read on for our tips for an enjoyable and healthy Easter.
- Remember, chocolate is available all year round!
Marketing of Easter chocolate is powerful and relentless this time of year. It is designed to make us think we need to keep buying and buying, as Easter is a once a year holiday. It is important to remember however that Easter chocolate is just regular chocolate, which is available all year round. No need to stock up and keep lots at home within easy reach, because if you want to you can buy chocolate any day of the year!
- Don’t deprive yourself! That usually just creates bigger problems!
It is a bit unrealistic to say that you are not going to have a single piece of chocolate while you sit and watch your family or friends enjoy theirs. There is nothing wrong with chocolate – it is not a ‘bad’ or ‘forbidden’ food. It is just a sometimes food for us to enjoy.
- But at the same time, don’t eat it just for the sake of it!
The flip side of this is once you stop thinking of chocolate as off limits you may find that you do not actually want it as much. As always listen to your body and your own cues. If you do not feel like, do not have it. If you do, then have a small piece. Just because it is Easter does not mean you must eat it. You will not miss out – as we have already said, chocolate is there year-round.
- Ensure you maintain your regular meals and snacks
Be careful not to let chocolate become a snack or in the place of a meal. It is important you continue your regular meals and snacks based on protein and lots of colourful vegetables. Chocolate is simply a sweet addition, not the main event!
- Eat slow, small portions and really savour!
Make sure you take the time to really enjoy your chocolate mindfully. Go for small portions, for example mini eggs, so you can easily keep portions in check. It’s much easier to accidentally eat your way through a giant chocolate bunny without realizing.
- Use the long weekend to get in some extra activity
Four-day weekend! Yay! Perfect chance to get together with family or friends and get moving.
What are your Easter tips? Anything you find challenging about Easter time?
