SO, we've finally lost our 'Christmas weight' and are looking forward to the summer.. but then Easter comes along and *bam*.. we are faced with rows and rows of lovely looking chocolate eggs in the supermarkets (not to mention the hot cross buns, Easter buns/pigs/rabbits....!!!). How can we resist?!
If you're watching your weight and feel under-pressure at occasions such as these where you are deemed 'not normal' if you don't join in and indulge in your body weight of chocolate then read on for my top tips on how to cope this Easter time (or at any other special occasion where chocolate is present.. birthdays, Christmas, celebrations etc.)
1) Ask for Flowers or Vouchers.. or GIVE THEM AWAY!
If you are lucky enough to have friends or family who love to buy you chocolate at Easter then tell them (before you see them), that this year you're really trying to be healthy and are avoiding temptation of all kinds (including Easter eggs). If your lovely friends or family insist on buying you something then there is no harm in suggesting a bunch of flowers or even vouchers.. then they will feel good having still got you something (so not 'leaving you out') and you won't be faced with the temptation/pressure to eat more chocolate than you would like.
And if this tip doesn't work.. and you still get given heaps of Easter Eggs and really don't want even the temptation then why not do some good and offer your Eggs to a charity/hospital/homeless shelter.. the generosity will be much appreciated and you will feel good on two levels!
2) 250 Calorie Limit
If you want to join in with the 'eating feast' then why not set yourself an allowance? 200-250 calories is roughly 10% of your daily calorie (kcal) allowance and is equivalent to the following:
1 Cream Egg and 4 Mini Eggs (~ 240kcal)
1 Aero Mint Lamb and 1 individual Cadbury's Caramel Easter bunny (250kcal)
2 individual Cadbury's Caramel Easter Bunny (in packs of two) (200kcal)
16 Mini Eggs: 50g (245 kcal)
4 Mini Creme Eggs (200kcal)
1 Small Easter Rabbit: 50g (272kcal)
1/4 Large Easter Rabbit: 200g (~250kcal)
1/2 Small Easter Egg: 80g (~200kcal)
1/2 Medium Easter Egg: 100g (~260kcal)
1/4 Large Easter Egg: 200g (~250kcal)
My advice would be to read the label and become familiar with how many calories are in your chocolate treats and then decided how many calories you're happy to eat (decide this first!).
3) Melt & Mix with Fruit
To make your chocolate go that little bit further why not melt some chocolate (in a glass bowl over a pan of boiling water: [click here] for a great video from BBC Goodfoods on how to do this).. You can then use this melted chocolate to dip in pieces of melon, strawberries or kiwis (or any fruit for that matter). This way you are on your way to achieving your 5 a day and will feel much fuller (and perhaps more satisfied) after!
Choosing dark chocolate is a healthier alternative to milk and white chocolate as it contains more anti-oxidants and has less added sugar. My advice would be to check the calorie content of your bar and then decide how much you want to eat of it/share.. a small bar (~250kcal) per person could be a limit to set or 1/4-1/2 of a large bar (~250-500kcal).
4) Cheater's Guide
If you struggle with temptation and can't bear the thought of Easter Eggs being in the house (as you could easily demolish them in one sitting) then why not get your chocolate fix another way.. here are some lighter ways to enjoy chocolate:
Hot Chocolate (the indulgent ones made up with water & splash of milk are ~100kcal)
Cracker with Chocolate Spread (~100kcal)
Cereal Bar with Chocolate (~100kcal)
Chocolate Mousse (~100kcal)
Treat Size Chocolate Bar (~100kcal)
Light Yoghurt with Chocolate Pieces (~100kcal)
This tip can be applied to Christmas too... try to keep your 'indulgent eating' to just one day. This means you have something to look forward to and can 'balance things out' in the days before and after.. i.e. eating healthy and avoiding extra treats and perhaps engaging in some light exercise. After all - it is only once or twice a year that such nationwide celebrations take place.
I hope you find these tips useful.. have a lovely Easter break everyone and remember.. if you do indulge DON'T WORRY!!!! What's done is done.. just enjoy it and get back on track the next day.. we are allowed to occasionally indulge.. it's ok! You won't gain weight from one day of over-eating. Say that it's your '20%' of naughty food for the week. See my 80:20 rule post for more info [click here].
Bye for now!
Nic x
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