Easter is one of the most eagerly awaited family holidays. It’s a time when we’re all more reflective and devote time to our loved ones, whom we unfortunately often neglect amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Along with all the wonderful holiday moments, Easter can also bring a few extra pounds. Four days are more than enough to undo your fitness progress if you spend them doing nothing but relaxing and eating. To avoid the sad scenario of resorting to drastic diets after the holidays, we suggest you choose carefully what you eat during the Easter break.
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Here’s how:
A big YES!
Don’t assume that everything you eat at Easter is good for your diet. In fact, quite the opposite. Lamb served with rice, too many boiled eggs, and Easter bread can do you quite a bit of harm. But you can’t go hungry the whole time either, so focus on these foods:
Eggs – one boiled egg contains 70 calories, 53 of which are in the yolk. It’s best to choose mostly egg whites, as they’re rich in magnesium, potassium, sodium, and vitamin B3, which regulates blood sugar levels. You can eat as many as you like.
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Milk – but not cow’s, sheep’s, or goat’s milk. Choose a plant-based milk alternative, such as soy or almond milk. They’re highly nutritious and delicious, too. Sweetened almond milk contains 40 calories per cup, while the same amount of soy milk has almost twice as many. Both drinks contain beneficial fats (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids). They can help improve cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure, helping protect against cardiovascular and neurological diseases.
Meat – grilled and lightly seasoned – without sides such as rice or potatoes. If you can replace lamb with turkey or rabbit, even better, though it’s not quite traditional.
Don’t skip breakfast – that’s right, you can have a hearty breakfast, but not half a kozunak and a tub of yogurt. Choose a filling breakfast that includes protein and fiber. Its nutrients will keep you full and give you the energy you need. Continue eating small portions throughout the day, and make sure your last meal is no later than 8:00 p.m.
Water and tea – we hardly need to remind you of the benefits of drinking water, but a glass of warm water with lemon or grapefruit in the morning will help your body detox and stay alert to excess fat throughout the day.
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A firm NO!
As tempting as some of the foods on the Easter table may be, you shouldn’t overindulge. Your body is already following a strict routine, and too much unhealthy food will only put it under unnecessary stress.
Kozunak – sorry, but kozunak ranks among the unhealthiest items on the Easter menu. Yes, it’s incredibly tasty, especially with extra chocolate and dried fruit, but the rich filling and different recipes make it quite difficult to calculate the calories in a slice. As a rough estimate, one slice contains around 500 calories. To burn off the calories from just one slice of kozunak, you’ll need to run on the treadmill for 45 to 60 minutes or take part in an intense group workout such as CrossFit or spinning.
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Grandma’s lamb – only she knows how to make the meat so delicious and pile your plate high at least twice. Avoid this homemade dish, as it’s quite rich and high in calories. Lamb is fatty, so it’s best not to overdo it, especially when served with fried sides.
Alcohol – holidays are meant to be celebrated properly. Still, don’t overdo it with alcohol. There are 220 calories in 100 ml of whisky and 78 calories in a glass of white wine. Choose wisely so you won’t regret it when you step on the scales during your next visit to the gym.
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We recommend sticking to your eating plan over the holidays. If you have a program, try to follow it and remember to stay active during your days off. If you don’t feel like working out at the gym, you can take more walks in nature, run with your children or dog in the park, or ride a bike. Combine business with pleasure, and the Easter menu won’t set you back—in fact, you may even preserve the great results of your efforts so far.