The four day weekend over Easter is a shoe-in for the potential to overindulge! Being surrounded by chocolate, copious amounts of delicious food and alcohol, it is possible to resist the temptations! The Green Apple Wellness Centre (2017) provides 8 tips for staying healthy this Easter:
- Stock up on fruit and veg!
Chocolate is never more tempting when there is no fresh fruit and vegetables in the fridge. Cut up your fruit (such as watermelon and pineapple) and store in containers as soon as you buy it for easy access to the healthier option.
- Chocolate only at dessert time.
This is tricky we know, but restricting chocolate eating to dessert time should drastically reduce the amount of chocolate you eat and will prevent mindless chocolate snacking. Make sure you put an amount of chocolate you would like to eat in a bowl and leave the rest in the kitchen to avoid over-indulging!
- The darker the chocolate, the better:
Dark chocolate has significantly less sugar and carbs than milk/white chocolate, as well as more cocoa (the original chocolate plant).
- Maintain your regular exercise:
Exercising is a great way to reduce cravings for chocolate. It will help maintain your fitness goals over the public holidays. Organise a game of backyard cricket, go to the beach for a walk and enjoy being outside!
- Good Friday means seafood!
An Easter tradition is abstain from red meat on Good Friday. Take the challenge (or free ticket) to some fresh fish for dinner. Fish is a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids, rich in protein and low in calories. Pair your fish with a side of fresh salad or some grilled veggies and you have yourself a very healthy Good Friday dinner!
- Do not bulk buy
The sales and aisle upon aisles of chocolate are tempting – but resist and do not bulk buy chocolate unless necessary. Instead, purchase one or two high quality chocolate treats to enjoy over the extended weekend.
- Watch what your drink
The Easter holiday normally means entertaining or being entertained. When having guests over, it’s nice to have a couple of drink alternatives. When considering what to buy, make sure you have some cold water and soda options too. When visiting somebody else’s house, opt to drink some water as well.
- Don’t forget normal eggs
Whilst it’s easy to enjoy the chocolate eggs, don’t forget the value of traditional eggs (chicken laid eggs). Eggs are a great source of protein and are an effective and great way to start your day!