How to avoid chocolate overload this Easter!

Easter has arrived! Can you believe it, I feel like the kids just went back to school after half term!

Easter is such a lovely time, the days are lighter and longer. There's flowers popping up and bird song in the morning. But for some of us Easter can come with some challenges. One being chocolate!

As parents we try our best to limit chocolate and sweets as we know that too much is not good for our children’s health.But then Easter comes along and every well meaning relative turns up with big chocolate egg and every easter themed activity seems to end with a ‘treat’, resulting in more and more chocolate!

If you are concerned about how Easter could affect you or your children's health then here are some tips that can help you navigate easter in a balanced way.

⭐ Choose smaller eggs, sounds so simple, but smaller eggs can significantly reduce the sugar you or your child consumes, eggs have gotten bigger and bigger over the last few years!

⭐ Opt for dark chocolate, if you or your child likes dark chocolate then these eggs are a great option. Lower in sugar and containing nutrients like magnesium, the bitterness also makes dark chocolate harder to overindulge on. Lindt bunnies are great and green and blacks do lovely ones too.

⭐ Have a hearty meal or snack with protein and fat before a chocolate based event. If you or your child is hungry you're more likely to eat chocolate to full-fill hunger but if you're full then you're less likely to overeat.

⭐ Consider non chocolate based Easter treats, and ask relatives to do the same. There are lots of fun options available these days that can leave kids and parents happy, soft toys or arts and crafts are great.

⭐  Get outside! The weather is improving so it's a great chance to get the family out for a walk, not only is this good exercise but it may boost your mood and motivate you to take a healthier approach and leave the chocolate behind.

In the end try not to worry, one weekend of chocolate won’t do any lasting harm, just enjoy the weekend and start a fresh next week