Easter is a time for reconnecting with family – and for
many, a chance to enjoy chocolate! Having some treats is part of the fun, but
over-indulging can leave us feeling uncomfortably full, tired and guilty.
Even if you do not celebrate Easter, the same tips can apply
to other holidays or seasonal treats. Here is how to enjoy the goodies without
going overboard…
Decide which days you will enjoy chocolate or treats and
which days you will not. Too often Easter eggs or seasonal sweets are still
being eaten days after the holiday. Avoid complete restriction though, as
telling yourself you will not have any treats at all can trigger an “all or
nothing” mindset. Eating just one small piece can feel like failure and lead to
overeating.
- Do not skip meals so you can eat
treats
Saving your calories for chocolate or treats usually
backfires. Firstly because these foods contain far more calories than you
think, and secondly because allowing yourself to get hungry can lead to
overeating.
It is easier to eat less if you have small portions rather
than one large item. Individually wrapped pieces give a signal to pause and a
sense of completion, while a large bar or block is far more likely to be eaten
in big chunks until it is gone.
- Decide what to do with the excess
Chances are you will have far more treats than you need.
Rather than leaving them around to snack on all week, consider giving them away
or using them in recipes that can be stored.
- Keep the treats out of sight
Leaving chocolate or other sweets on the table increases the
chance of eating them. Instead, store them on a high shelf, in the pantry, or
in the fridge so they are out of sight.
Dark chocolate, particularly with higher percentages of
cocoa has a richer flavour, making it much easier to feel satisfied after a few
squares.
- Stabilise your blood sugar
A 20-minute walk after eating treats can help control
cravings. Any form of exercise helps regulate your blood sugar level and
provides a good distraction from indulgent foods.
