
16 Mar How To Avoid Easter Weight Gain
If you’re looking to avoid weight gain this Easter, we’ve got you covered.
With an abundance of chocolate and hot cross buns to contend with, to sticking to a healthy routine may well be more challenging than usual. But it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to enjoy it in a healthy, balanced way.
CHOOSE YOUR EGG WISELY
If family and friends want to buy chocolate for you, put in a request for a healthier chocolate egg. The higher the percentage of cocoa, the less room there is for sugar. Aim for a high percentage of cacao – over 70%. Or, if you’d rather avoid chocolate altogether, there are some lovely spring flowers around at this time of year.
For some nutritionist-approved options, read Kim’s guide to the healthiest Easter eggs in Evening Standard.
MODERATE PORTIONS
Don’t be tempted to eat too much at once with the intention of getting rid of the chocolate sooner. Instead, break it down into moderate portion sizes which will have less of an impact on your blood sugar level. It’s healthier all round, both for your body and mindset, so have a small amount of chocolate more regularly rather than binge eating it all in one go. And if you do want to get it gone, don’t feel guilty about giving it away or donating it to a food bank via your local supermarket.
PLAN AHEAD
Ensure you have plenty of your usual healthy foods to hand so that you don’t end up hungry and on the hunt for the nearest open pack of Mini Eggs. It’s also worth saving Easter eggs for dessert. Eating chocolate on an empty stomach spikes blood sugar levels. Have yours after a protein and veg-based meal which will minimise it’s negative effects on your energy levels and your weight.
EAT MINDFULLY
Make sure your decision to eat chocolate is a conscious one. Are you really going to enjoy it? Or are you just eating it because it’s there? If you’re likely to find yourself mindlessly picking away at treats left out on the side, wrap them back up and put them on a top shelf of a cupboard, or somewhere else out of the way.
For more on mindful eating, take a look at these 5 Mindful Eating Tips
ENJOY IT
Even the healthiest people eat treats (and don’t forget that high quality, dark chocolate has health benefits). They just go back to eating normally afterwards rather than letting it be the start of a downward spiral. Enjoy the chocolate you do eat and get back to your usual healthy routine as soon as the celebrations are over.
If you know you’ll find Easter a challenge because maintaining a healthy balance is a struggle for you, we can help. As a nutritionist-led weight loss clinic, we help our clients overcome the challenges that prevent them from maintaining a weight they are happy at. Whether that’s an underlying health issue, lack of clarity as to the best diet for them, or struggling to consistently prioritise a healthy diet and lifestyle. If you’d like to find out more about working with us, please get in touch. We would be happy to arrange a complimentary call to discuss how we can help you.