Tips for Staying Healthy this Easter

It’s that time of year when those beautiful, foil-covered choccies wink at you from the supermarket aisle, and when the scent of cinnamon-covered hot cross buns can sometimes be just too much to resist. It’s been a tough year, and with the end of lockdown in sight and the promise of warmer, sunnier times ahead, you may feel like a little well-deserved celebration. Here are some ways you can stay healthy over Easter – whilst enjoying a few lockdown treats.

Start the day with a healthy breakfast
Instead of reaching for a regular hot cross bun, choose a wholemeal version instead. Try some healthy pancake recipes, ones which use bananas instead of flour, and top with natural sugars such as coconut sugar, maple syrup or fruit — raspberries, pomegranates and blueberries are full of antioxidants.

Instead of Easter eggs try the real variety instead. These include vitamins A, B-12 and selenium, ingredients which are good for your immune system. A protein-packed egg can help you feel fuller for longer, meaning you might not need to reach for the naughtier version!

Get active
Start your day with some big breaths, a dose of meditation or a fun Easter walk with the family. Join an online exercise class one, or if the weather permits, go for a long cycle ride. Spring cleaning the house is also a great way to burn off a few calories.

Take it easy
Enjoy every mouthful and eat slowly and mindfully. Don’t overload your plate, and take breaks during the meal. This kick-starts your digestion and can trick your brain into thinking you’re full. If you’re hungry between meals, reach for healthier options such as fruit, nuts, popcorn or dark chocolate.

Enjoy some chocolate
You read that right. The right kind of chocolate can be good for you. It’s full of antioxidants, and flavanols which can reduce inflammation and cardiovascular disease. It is also high in magnesium, iron, copper and manganese. Just make sure you’re grazing in moderation and that you pick a dark chocolate with a 70% or higher cocoa content.

Satisfy your sweet tooth
If you’re going to tuck into sweets, look for natural ones which are low in sugar and contain real fruit juice. You could try dark chocolate-covered almonds, a natural fruit sorbet or maple-roasted bananas.

Make the healthier choice
Swap the roasted potatoes for roasted carrots, and instead of lamb, go for turkey which is leaner and lower in calories. Oven-baked salmon is a great way to get omega-3 essential fatty acids and it can both lower your blood pressure and reduce inflammation. Remember to eat plenty of delicious, vitamin-loaded seasonal spring vegetables. For Easter pudding, bake a carrot cake instead of a chocolate-loaded one.

Hydrate
Remember to hydrate, especially if drinking alcohol. Think about using low-calorie mixer tonics instead of sweet, carbonated drinks such as the MEDA NO-LO range. If you’re going to drink juice, water it down so you’re reducing your sugar intake.

Don’t feel guilty!
Enjoy your Easter time. It’s been a hard year, and we all deserve a treat now and then.