Dark, white, melted, shaved, crumbled ... chocolate sounds awesome any way you say it. And, at Easter time, it’s pretty much impossible to avoid.
However, there’s plenty of research out there to support indulging your Easter chocolate craving just a little – providing it's with 70% cocoa dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants that can help reduce the damage caused by oxidative reactions.
It’s also listed as one of 20 “lifespan essential” foods by researchers at Leeds University who say its high levels of polyphenols are linked to a variety of health benefits, including protection against heart disease. Mounting evidence suggests that a diet high in polyphenols, which include naturally occurring chemicals such as tannins, lignins and flavonoids, can increase your chances of reaching a ripe old age.
But more than that, a little of what you love can prevent you from feeling deprived, especially at Easter time when everyone is chomping on eggs and biting on bunnies. Temptation is everywhere – in supermarkets, magazines and shop windows. It seems that everyone has gone egg mad. And then there’s the social pressure. Missing out on Easter treats is like bypassing Christmas and no one wants to be a party pooper.
So how can you cope? There are some simple things you can do to minimise the damage. Firstly, accept that Easter can be a tough time for dieters. Then plan your treat and factor it into your exercise plan – keep reading for six ways to burn off a Lindt chocolate bunny!
Don’t peak too soon
The shops have been bursting with Easter treats for some time now, but try not to celebrate too early. Set some rules, consider ‘no hot cross buns before Good Friday’ and ‘no chocolate treats before Easter Sunday’. Waiting will help make the treats feel extra special.
Choose wisely
Easter eggs don’t have to be banned but there is no doubt that you have to tread carefully. Think small. Mini eggs aren’t just for children and, if you find it hard to stop once the foil’s off, they‘re a great option to help you stay in control. Other satisfying treats are cocoa made with skim milk and an artificial sweetener and chocolate-dipped fruits or nuts, such as strawberries and blueberries or almonds and walnuts. This way you’ll get the taste with fewer calories and less fat, while boosting your antioxidants at the same time.
Fantastic stash
If you’re overloaded with Easter eggs, hide them in a cupboard so they’re out of sight and take them to work or give them to your neighbours on Tuesday.
Alternative Easter
Let your family and friends know that you don’t want to be wallowing in tempting chocolate and offer them some alternative gift options, such as a favourite magazine, new bestseller, pretty egg cup, DVD, CD or some Easter decorations. Or instead of munching on it, why not bathe in it? There are lots of luxurious chocolate-based products out there that'll make you smell good enough to eat!
Burn off a bunny
If you decide to have some fun with it and treat yourself to a little something, you can always burn it off with an extra gym session or a long walk. To help, we’re suggesting six ways to burn off a small (50g) Lindt Chocolate Bunny ... just don’t go hopping mad and opt for the 1kg version!
Indulge in a bunny and you’ll consume around 272 calories. Here are six ways to burn off the equivalent* ...
- Spend 71 minutes cleaning the house after your Easter shenanigans
- Work it on the cross trainer at a moderate effort for 32 minutes
- Get your dancing boots on for 56 minutes
- Spend 63 minutes in a gardening frenzy
- Swim freestyle for 36 minutes
- Walk the dog for 89 minutes
*Calculations are based on an 80kg woman
Do your diary
There's no getting around it; the only way to know exactly what you’re eating and drinking is to enter it into your diary. Do a little experimenting and type in some popular Easter treats to give yourself a good feel for just how many calories each item contains and how much exercise you'll need to do to burn it off.