Eggcellent Easter Tips!

A few Other Helpful Tips:

• Size matters

The massive chocolate bunny standing in the shop window that is almost the size of your child may look fun but it is not a good idea to bring it home! This may be an extreme case but we often fall into the trap of our eyes being bigger than our bellies. Look for treats that are small in size to prevent over-eating and that can help in maintaining portion control.

• Be prepared

Make sure you stock your fridge and cupboards with healthy food and snacks like fresh fruit, veggie sticks with dip, chicken strips, wholewheat crackers and low fat cottage cheese etc. If you have eaten a decent balanced, fresh and healthy meal first then you will less likely to over indulge on chocolate afterwards. Keep easy, on-the-go options on hand for days where there is less routine and structure.

• Treat yourself

One should aim to be healthier during holidays but it is alright to also treat yourself. Deprivation leads to disaster!  Prevent overindulging by being mindful, enjoy the occasion, but put your spoon/choccie down when you are satisfied – there is no need to finish your plate or treat just because it is there.

• Sharing is caring

If there is unhealthy food lying around the house then you are more likely to eat it. Avoid this by re-gifting or giving the leftover chocolates to someone less fortunate than yourself.

• Change focus

Holiday times tend to put a fair amount of focus on food as part of the celebrations. One cannot change traditions but try to remember to bring the real attention to the meaning of the holiday, the company of family and precious time with loved ones.

• Beat the boredom eating and ensure a healthy eating environment at home

We all appreciate this time of relaxation with friends and family as well as partaking in religious activities. However with too much time on hand, we can easily fall into the trap of mindless snacking- especially if plenty of Hot Cross buns & Easter eggs tempt us with their ease of visibility and availability. Our advice? Plan your days and keep occupied.

• Shop like a Pro!

Practice good shopping by replacing the usual treats such as sweets chocolates and chips normally bought over this period with healthier snacks such as fresh fruit slices, veggie sticks, fruit bars, dried fruit, low fat Rice chips/cassava snacks, popcorn and lean biltong sticks.

• Make good choices when socializing                                            

Try to make healthy choices when eating out with friends and family. The table below gives you an idea of what to plan for a healthy Braai as well as which Fast Food choices are best for a quick, convenient meal.

From all of us at Nutritional Solutions, we wish you a blessed Easter with family and loved ones!