Easter doesn’t have to mean overindulging on chocolate. Here are 8 tips to staying healthy over the Easter weekend. 

1. Keep the Easter eggs for Easter Sunday
   There is no reason why you can’t enjoy some treats over Easter, but it can be easy to overdo it with all the chocolate on offer. Choose your treat, account for the calories and don’t graze on chocolate (and desserts|) all weekend as you will find it hard to keep track of how much you’ve eaten.

2. Go for quality over quantity
   When choosing an Easter egg, opt for one which contains high-quality chocolate. The highest percentage of cocoa you can find means you’re getting a better quality of egg. The better the chocolate, the more you will take the time to relax and savour it, you will stop eating when you feel full.

3. Balance out your calories with exercise and fun.
   The Buff team will definitely be indulging in some chocolaty goodness this Easter, but we know it’s all about balance. We will allow for some chocolate treats and balance our calorie intake throughout the day – opt for a lighter breakfast or a salad for lunch. Head out for a walk or follow one of our pre-recorded online sessions you may have done before. These adjustments will mean the chocolate treats won’t be as noticeable in the grand scheme of things.

4. Have a cracking good start to the day
   Not chocolate eggs – the real deal! Eggs are the perfect breakfast. They’re packed with protein and amino acids and they can help you to feel fuller for longer. Try whipping up an omelette, enjoy scrambled eggs or make an egg with toast soldiers. Or have a go at the ever-popular smashed avocado toast with a poached egg.

5. Enjoy a healthy Easter lunch
   On Easter Sunday, don’t dive straight into the roast or spend all afternoon picking at the cheeseboard and nibbling sweets. Fill up with plenty of healthy vegetables during your main meal – these will not only count towards your five a day but the fibre will also help to fill you up, so you’ll be less likely to eat as much sweet or fatty stuff later on.

6. Say it without chocolate
   Chocolate isn’t just for Easter and Easter doesn’t just have to be chocolate. Traditionally new clothes are associated with the Easter holiday and the belief that the wearing of new clothes brought good luck. If you’ve been working hard at your shape why not reward yourself with something new to wear instead of an egg? Younger family can be treated with books, puzzles, games, craft or science activities.

7. Get active with all the family
   Maybe the local community egg hunt is cancelled, but that doesn’t mean you can’t host your own at home. But how about making it count for more and set up a mini assault course in your garden (if the weather’s good!) and get really active with the kids. Include some fun Easter-themed games, such as an egg and spoon race, bunny hop sack or skipping race.

8. Don’t quit!
   If you find you end up indulging more than you intended, don’t just throw the towel in and write off the whole weekend. Try to keep your movement levels up and see if you can get an extra workout in over the Easter break – even 30 minutes walking outside can make a difference to your fitness, motivation and overall mood. There’s no need to feel bad and beat yourself up over this, everyone falls off the diet bandwagon now and then, it’s normal and part of the journey. Accept it happened, forgive yourself, draw a line and move one. Let us help you get back to your healthy diet.