From Lindt bunnies and mini eggs to Easter egg hunts galore, chocolate and Easter go hand-in-hand. Add in the freshly baked hot cross buns, and staying focused on your weight loss goals while navigating Easter might seem like ‘mission impossible’. But trust us, it’s doable on WW as nothing is off limits!
Here are our top tips for enjoying a healthier long Easter weekend.
1. Be deliberate with your time
Whether you’re going on holiday or having a staycation, you want to make the most of your long weekend by proactively choosing how you’re going to dedicate your time. “Really put some thought into what you want your weekend break to look like, otherwise you could just be ‘reactive’ to whatever else is happening and end up doing what everyone else wants or expects you to do,” health psychologist Dr Marny Lishman says. “If you have a few days off, it might mean there’s enough time to work out a schedule so you can balance out the social, relaxation, exercise and ‘me’ time.”
2. Eat and enjoy your favourite things
Whether it’s the Good Friday fish supper or the Sunday morning chocolates, give some thought to your menu so you can factor in your favourite things. “If you’re enjoying an Easter feast with family and friends, try to eat mindfully at the table,” suggests Nicole Stride, WW programme developer and dietitian. “Put your knife and fork down between mouthfuls and take your time to enjoy your meal and the company you’re with.” Also, try portioning your chocolate and eating it from a plate or bowl. “This really helps to increase your awareness about when and how you're eating, rather than mindlessly consuming chocolate just because it’s there,” says dietitian Katrina Mills.
3. Fuel your body with a healthy breakfast
Starting your day with a healthy breakfast will give you long-lasting energy for the adventures ahead. “Breakfast is a great opportunity to lean on foods low in Points, like eggs, veggies, fruit and fat-free yogurt,” Stride says. “If you’ve got a lunch or dinner event that day, sticking to these foods in the morning means you’ve still got your Points® Budget to enjoy the meal later in the day and can stay on track.”
4. Travel smart and pack snacks
Easter is synonymous with road trips, but that doesn’t have to mean relying on fast food pit-stops. “If you’re travelling a long distance, prepare some healthy snacks for the car ride ahead of time,” Stride suggests. “Fruit salad with yogurt, small packets of air-popped popcorn and whole grain sandwiches with skinless chicken breast or reduced-fat cheese are some great options to try.”
5. Slow down and switch off
With work, exercise, family and social commitments to balance, we often think of downtime as a luxury afforded only to the lazy, but Dr Lishman says it’s important we purposefully take time to chill. “People underestimate the power of relaxation and its effect on our health,” she says. “Make sure you are proactive in having wind-down time so you can recharge, rejuvenate and reset. It could be lying down at the beach, sitting in a café sipping coffee, just reading a book without rushing or even turning your phone off for 20 minutes. Self-care should be a priority because you can’t be at your best for others if you are not aligned with your true self.”
6. Go on an active Easter egg hunt
Backyards or local parks are an ideal place to get you and your loved ones moving and, the more people you can get involved, the quicker the pace,” says accredited exercise physiologist Loren Kirkwood. “For us adults, the set-up can be just as physically active as it is for the children doing the searching. The up-and-down, crawling, bending and twisting to get to those hiding spots will get your heart rate up, helping to increase energy expenditure.”
7. Get creative and crafty with your kids
Rather than hunting for chocolate eggs this year, why not hide hard-boiled eggs for the kids to find? “They won’t melt and leave chocolate stains on your furnishings,” says accredited practising dietitian Melanie McGrice. “Once your kids have found all the eggs, it’s great fun to decorate them with pretty patterns using edible ink. You can also stick feathers, stickers or bright paper on them, then smash them and eat them as snacks during the day.” Not only is it a fun family activity, but McGrice says you’ll get plenty of nutrients, too. “Eggs are rich in nutrition, including protein for healthy hair and nails, choline for memory and omega 3 for reducing inflammation,” she adds.