Eggs for Easter

With Easter weekend and holidays approaching many people are loading up on chocolate treats.  They've been on store shelves since Valentine's Day in some cases so you're likely well aware of the options available this year.

As with any holiday, make sure you have a plan so you don't give in to temptation, but are still able to enjoy a few treats.  I know for me it's best to keep treats out of the house - when we see them, we want them, we eat them, and then we wonder how they disappeared so fast.  If you're like me you may have some treats in the house over the weekend, but not before and not after.  That helps me stay mindful and enjoy a few without over doing it. 

It also helps to make sure you're not skipping meals, but are having healthy well-balanced meals and snacks with protein and fibre to help keep your blood sugar stable for longer.  If you let your blood sugar get too low, that's when you may give in to temptation or crave treats, and if they're right in front of you, they may soon be gone!

I also like to encourage non-food treats and gifts, since I feel like we tend to 'treat' ourselves too often these days with sugar, fat, and excess Calories.  I love chocolate, but I also love flowers and plants, books, walks in the fresh Spring air, or spa treatments, like a pedicure to get my toes ready to be seen in public.  I'm not saying you can't have chocolate this Easter, but don't leave out a whole bowl of chocolate eggs and not expect to give in to the temptation!  Portion out a few and have them after your meal or snack.

Another thing to keep in mind is why not focus on a great egg meal rather than just thinking about chocolate eggs?  Eggs are a great source of nutrients, are low in saturated fat and one large egg contains only 70 Calories.  They also contain 6g of protein and are a complete protein because they have all 9 essential amino acids.  Research shows that healthy adults can enjoy an egg a day without increasing their risk of heart disease.  Start your Easter morning with scrambled eggs, whole grain toast, and fresh fruit so you have lasting energy for your Easter egg hunt.

Happy Easter
Steph (Wheler) Langdon, RD
something nutrishus counselling & coaching
www.nutrishus.com