Easter is a time of celebration, and for many people, that means indulging in sweet treats and chocolate eggs. As a nutritional therapist, I believe that it's possible to enjoy Easter and all the associated treats without compromising your health; it's all too easy to go overboard and end up with flares in symptoms.
In this post I'll be sharing some of my favourite Easter Tips and Treats that won't leave you flared or sluggish.
Ideas for a healthy Easter celebration:
Start with a nutritious breakfast
Begin the day with a balanced and nutritious breakfast that includes protein and healthy fats. This will help you to stay fuller for longer and avoid snacking on unhealthy treats throughout the day by maintaining balanced blood sugar.
Offer healthier Easter treats
Instead of sugary and processed treats, offer healthier alternatives like the options detailed below, as well as fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, and crudités with hummus and guacamole.
Make your own Easter eggs
Making your own chocolate Easter eggs can be a fun activity for the whole family. Use dark chocolate, coconut oil, and fill them with nuts, dried fruit, or coconut flakes. See recipe below!
Stay active
Take advantage of the spring weather and plan some outdoor activities, like an Easter egg hunt, a family walk, or a bike ride. Physical activity can help promote overall health and wellbeing.
Focus on family time
Easter is about spending time with loved ones, so make sure to prioritise family time and meaningful activities, like crafting, playing board games, or reading together. These activities can help reduce stress and promote mental wellness.
Remember, you don't have to sacrifice fun and enjoyment to have a healthy Easter celebration. By making mindful choices and focusing on balance, you can have a happy and healthy holiday.
Favourite Easter Recipes:
Hot Cross Buns
Hot cross buns are a traditional Easter treat, and for good reason. They're spiced and filled with delicious dried fruit.
These Cinnamon & Raisin gluten-free sourdough bagels by MyGlutenFreeBakery have a very similar flavour to a hot cross bun. Plus, they're made with a mix of wholegrain gluten-free flours, which means they're higher in fibre and nutrients than other baked goods.
You could even try making your own at home. My favourite recipe is by Sarah Wilson, just opt for coconut oil and swap the rice malt syrup to chicory root syrup to make the recipe gluten and dairy free.
There are plenty of recipes online that use wholesome ingredients like wholegrain gluten-free flours, natural sweeteners instead of sugar, and spices like cinnamon, which helps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate is a staple of Easter, but not all chocolate is created equal. Opt for dark chocolate with at least 80% cocoa solids. Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants and flavonoids, which can have numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and improving mood.
Dark chocolate is also lower in sugar than milk chocolate, which means it won't spike your blood sugar levels and catalyse the ensuing inflammatory-autoimmune process.
Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Carrot cake may sound like a contradiction – a vegetable in a cake? – but it's actually a great way to sneak some extra nutrients into your dessert. For some reason they feel linked to Easter - perhaps it's the spices or the fact that we think of Bunnies and they like carrots?!
Carrots are high in vitamin A, which is essential for healthy skin, eyes, and immune function.
Try this recipe from Sarah Wilson. Swap the rice malt syrup for chicory root syrup to make it gluten-free, and use whipped coconut cream for the frosting to make it dairy free.
Homemade Chocolate Easter Eggs
Homemade chocolate eggs are a fun and easy way to make your own Easter treats. Here's a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
1 cup of dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Optional fillings (nuts, dried fruit, etc.)
Easter egg molds
Instructions:
Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a double boiler or microwave.
Pour a small amount of chocolate into the bottom of the egg molds.
Add your desired fillings.
Cover the fillings with more chocolate.
Tap the molds gently to remove any air bubbles.
Place the molds in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
Once the eggs are set, gently remove them from the molds.
Decorate as desired with melted white chocolate or sprinkles.
Homemade chocolate eggs are a healthier alternative to store-bought Easter eggs, but they taste just as good!
Final Words
Easter doesn't have to be a time of guilt and overindulgence. By choosing healthier treats like, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing your health. Happy Easter!
Next Steps
Hi I'm Molly, I'm a UK-based Nutritional Therapist (DipION, mBANT, CNHC) and Self-Compassion Coach (MSc) serving my community in Harpenden and online. Here in my little online home, you'll discover the benefits of nutritional therapy and complementary therapies for autoimmune disease and chronic illness.
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