I always feel a bit like a chump writing articles like this because most people have a complicated relationship with food. At any given time, an article like this could be just what I need to keep me on track for the Easter weekend, or it might just totally piss me off because I’m sick of worrying about my weight all the time.
I do think that moderation and self-control are something that most of us can work on, though, particularly at times of celebration.
Here’s how to avoid Easter weight gain.
Be strong
Eating non-nourishing food is never compulsory. Say no and mean it. If someone is trying to push dessert on me, but I’m full to bursting on pizza and wine calories, I’ll have A Wild Spoon for dessert. One of my aunties invented it; it basically means that you get a bite of everyone else’s dessert. This is great for avoiding Easter weight gain because not everyone orders dessert, not everyone will share (totally fair enough!), and you’ll probably be a bit restrained with how much you eat because you’re sharing. If people are kind enough to share with you. The Wild Spoon has been a dessert favourite of mine for years. Note: Only one person or two max can order The Wild Spoon for obvious reasons. It will be a pretty terrible Wild Spoon if everyone orders one.
Stick to your exercise plan
There’s no need to skip a workout just because it’s a public holiday. In fact, you should have MORE time to work out. Grab a quick 20-minute session before you start your day. I tend to make better food choices on days when I exercise, so that’s an added bonus. Don’t look at exercise as an unpleasant chore; look at it as a mood booster to start a beautiful day or weekend of celebrating with people you love.
Choose a ‘free’ day
The Easter holiday is four days long, which is enough time for most people to do a bit of damage if they’re trying to lose weight. If you want to still fit into your jeans after the weekend, you can’t stuff yourself stupid for four days straight. Be as healthy as you can and choose one ‘free’ day where you can relax and eat some treats like gluten-free hot cross buns or leftover hot cross bun crumble. Just one day, though. No one needs to eat chocolate for breakfast four days in a row.
Break up your alcoholic drinks with mineral water
Alcohol is the biggest calorie smuggler. Not only is it full of calories itself, but it makes you crave (and scoff!) additional calories too. Bummer right? The best thing you can do is take it easy and mix it up with water. Honestly, I haven’t been drinking much at all this year, and when I have, I’ve been chasing my wine with giant glasses of water. It makes such a big difference, not only to your calorie intake but also to your enjoyment of the evening and how you feel the next day.
Be prepared
If you’re headed to a BBQ or party, eat something before you go—a filling vegetable soup or an awesome salad. If you’re hungry, it’s much harder to say no to foods you’re trying to avoid. I sometimes have 2 boiled eggs that sorts me right out.
Plan a reset
Often after a holiday like Easter I’ll plan a reset like The Whole 30. They’re just about to release a new version and I’m really looking forward to trying it. I don’t love detox style diets but I’ve done The Whole 30 several times and it’s a sensible reset if you’ve let excess sugar sneak back into your diet.