While a spot of indulgence plays an essential role in a healthy, balanced lifestyle, I encourage people to be more mindful of their food intake. Here are my tried-and-tested tips to eat mindfully this Easter.
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1. Prioritise protein
A clever way to keep your blood sugar levels stable is to eat a protein-rich snack before you arrive for the festivities or when you’re between meals. A handful of nuts, my healthy trail mix or two of my sugar-free protein balls hit the spot and help to stabilise your blood sugars, which prevents you from overeating later on.
2. Eat a balanced meal first
When presented with an array of delicious, indulgent foods, it’s tempting to try a bit of everything. I encourage you to start with some protein, fibre, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. These macronutrients help to keep you satiated and balance your blood sugar levels. Just remember to leave some room for dessert!
3. Don’t deprive yourself
This is very important, as deprivation often leads to bingeing later on. If you’re craving a slice of cake or some creamy chocolate, then go ahead and enjoy it – but remember to do so mindfully.
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4. Eat mindfully
Take three deep breaths before you eat and chew your food well. While you’re eating, stop to savour the taste, temperature and texture of your food. Tuning into your senses is a simple way to practise mindful eating and it also helps us to eat with joy.
5. Remove the guilt
For many health-conscious people, it’s common to think, “I shouldn’t have eaten that” or “I wish I didn’t indulge”. As a former emotional and binge eater, I can tell you that the negative thoughts are more harmful to our health than the food we’ve eaten. So, remove the guilt and trust that your body is strong and capable of digesting what you’ve eaten.
6. Make something nutritious
If you’d like to great creative and bring a healthy but indulgent treat to your Easter festivities, try making my salty cinnamon and almond bark. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser and is packed with nutritious ingredients.
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