Survival Strategies for Easter

With temptation luring around every corner, Easter can be just as tricky a time for WLS patients to negotiate as Christmas. It can be tough celebrating with friends and family to make wise food choices when there are eggs-a-plenty (and chocolate at that!), rubbing shoulders with pile-’em-high hot-cross buns, Simnel cakes and supersize turkeys and hams that look fit to burst, all on groaning supermarket shelves….with buy one get one free stickers.

 

Wherever you are on your weight-loss journey, this annual feast can be a testing time, but the secret how not to get snared, is to plan ahead and to embrace the bounty of seasonal fresh foods that come our way this Spring – for these are the real treats of Easter eating.

 

My latest FREE Easter Newsletter (have you subscribed on the home page for it?) makes the most of these seasonal foods….lamb, watercress/arugula, asparagus and herbs. Latest recipes here will also be geared to the Easter festivities. And there are some special ‘sweet’ treats so that you don’t feel that you are missing out. Check out the St Clements cakes below. The newsletter will be winging its way to you within days!

 

So if you are thinking and planning ahead then think about my 4 survival strategies for Easter. I hope they help.

 

4 SURVIVAL STRATEGIES FOR EASTER

 

*  Ask your family and friends to buy you gifts that don’t involve chocolate or sweets/candy. Ask instead for flowers, a CD, a beauty product or some special cookware. These give just as much pleasure and often last longer. Similarly, why not do the same in return. I have hinted strongly that I want a new special egg cup for my breakfast egg….and love this quirky scooter one below!

 

*  If you must have chocolate then think of quality not quantity. Limit yourself to some small amount after a meal. Dark chocolate is better than milk or white … and you’ll be satisfied with less. Consider no added sugar chocolate too … especially in cooking.

 

*  Focus on the easter egg hunt and get out there and get moving. If you find an egg why not donate it to the youngest, oldest or most needy (and I don’t mean you!) in the crowd. It’s always better to give than receive.

 

*  It’s hard if the family focuses on the choco element of Easter … but don’t ban it … that’s a poor idea but do encourage the family to focus on other things too. Why not look at egg staining and decorating instead and perhaps award a prize for the best? Here are some to inspire you….

 

Here’s wishing you a joyous time!

 

CAROL