Besides Christmas, Easter is said to be one of the most challenging times for people with healthy eating intentions.

Not only are we literally surrounded by chocolate, but we also tend to eat and drink more at social gatherings.

While it can be challenging to take part in all the fun without overindulging, arming yourself with a plan will help keep control temptation. “Firstly, you have to accept that most of us will indulge a little over this time of year,” said Vivienne Cameron of Met-S Care.

“Depriving yourself of chocolate isn’t the solution. Allow yourself that luxury, because wanting what we can’t have is inherently human nature – but do it in moderation.”

Indulge in just one, or a small piece, so you can get that taste you’re craving. Cameron also says it’s wise to embrace mindful eating when and if you do indulge in some Easter chocolate. Choose a smaller block of chocolate and allocate a few pieces per day. Find a quiet place and eat it slowly, savouring each mouthful, instead of snacking on it constantly. Drink a cup of tea or coffee beforehand, not during or after, so you don’t wash away the taste.

“If you’re in charge of buying Easter eggs in your house, make sensible choices. Choose either a sugar-free chocolate or a good quality chocolate. Chocolates that are 70% cocoa contain less sugar and more ‘good fats’,” she continues.

Another option is to spend some time in the kitchen making your own Easter treats, a move which puts you in control of how much sugar you’re consuming. Some quick ideas include dipping strawberries in melted sugar-free chocolate, making treats with sugar-free jelly and stocking up on other sugar-free desserts and sweets. An Internet search for low carb/low sugar Easter treats will give you a myriad of options. Below are a few tempting recipes we found on www.ditchthecarbs.com.

If chocolate and Easter go hand in hand, you can throw family and social gatherings into the mix, too. Avoid social eating pressure by making sure you don’t arrive with an empty stomach, taking some of your own healthy treats to the gathering and choosing more of the healthier options while you’re there.

“Eat Easter treats over two days only – Easter Sunday and Monday. Then get rid of all the chocolate in your home by Monday night,” Cameron advises. “If, despite all your good intentions, you overdo it, the first step is to accept that veering off track is normal for most people during special occasions. Don’t beat yourself up about it. Accept that you overdid it, put it behind you, and get back to your healthy eating programme first thing on Tuesday morning. Don’t use this slight deviation as an excuse to say, ‘well, I’ve blown it now, I may as well keep eating’.”

Below are a few healthier Easter recipes:

Ginger fat bombs – (Serves 10)

INGREDIENTS

• 75g coconut butter softened
• 75g coconut oil softened
• 25g shredded coconut (unsweetened)
• 1 (5ml) tsp granulated stevia or sweetener of choice, to taste
• ½ (5ml) tsp dried (powdered) ginger

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix all the ingredients in a pouring jug until the stevia is dissolved.
2. Pour into silicon moulds or ice block trays and refrigerate for minimum 10 minutes.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Serving size: 1

Ginger Fat Bomb Calories: 120 Fat: 12.8g Carbohydrates: 2.2g Sugar: 0.1gFibre: 1.4g Protein: 0.5g

Paleo Easter Eggs – (Makes 12 eggs)

INGREDIENTS

• 75g shredded coconut unsweetened
• 70g coconut oil melted
• 3 tbs coconut cream
• 1 tbs granulated stevia, or sweetener of choice, to taste
• ½ tsp vanilla
• Chocolate Coating
• 60g coconut oil melted
• 6 tsp cocoa powder
• 2 tsp granulated stevia, or sweetener of choice, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Paleo Easter Eggs

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Refrigerate until solid enough to roll into egg shapes.
3. Roll small amounts into egg shapes and place in the fridge again to set completely.

Chocolate Coating

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Place 1 Paleo Easter Egg in the chocolate coating at a time. Using a spoon, turn the egg until completely covered.
3. Place the chocolate coated eggs on a plate.
4. Refrigerate until chocolate coating is set.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Serving size: 1 Paleo easter

Egg Calories: 128 Fat: 13.4g Carbohydrates: 1.1g Sugar: 0.5gFibre: 0.6g Protein: 0.9g

Low Carb Hot Cross Buns – (Serves: 8)

INGREDIENTS

• 60g coconut flour
• 30g psyllium husks
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbs granulated stevia, or sweetener of choice, to taste
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp mixed spice
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• 4 eggs
• 250ml/ 8 fl.oz boiling water
• optional raisins/chocolate chips/ cacao nibs

Icing

Stevia icing mix

Enough water to make a smooth paste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix all the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the eggs and mix.
3. Add the boiling water and mix until evenly combined.
4. Roll into 8 equal balls and place on a baking tray.
5. Bake in a fan assisted oven at 180C/350F for 20-30 minutes until golden on the outside and cooked in the centre.

Icing

1. Mark each hot cross bun with a cross using the stevia icing mix.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Serving size: 1

Low Carb Hot cross Bun Calories: 84 Fat: 3.1g Carbohydrates: 8.9gSugar: 0.7g Fibre: 6.8g Protein: 5.6g

Chocolate fat bombs – (Serves 14)

INGREDIENTS

• 125g coconut oil
• 25g cocoa powder
• 1 tbs granulated stevia, or sweetener of choice to taste
• 25g walnut pieces
• +/- 1 tbs tahini paste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Warm the coconut oil until melted.
2. Add all the other ingredients and allow to cool slightly so the ingredients don’t settle and    sink to the bottom of the fat bomb..
3. Pour into ice cube trays and refrigerate until semi set.
4. Once almost set, place a half walnut on top of each fat bomb.

NOTES

Keep these in the fridge until you’re ready to eat them, because the coconut oil melts quickly. You control how sweet you want your Chocolate fat bombs – this depends on how your sweet tooth has adapted, and if you are a dark chocolate or dairy milk chocolate lover.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Serving size: 1

Chocolate fat bomb Calories: 119 Fat: 12.6g Carbohydrates: 1.2g Sugar: 0.1gFibre: 0.7g Protein: 1.4g

RECIPE SOURCE: www.ditchthecarbs.com.  For tips on how to stay healthy and reduce the risks of overeating you can also visit www.metscare.com