As the nation gears up to make the most of this year’s Easter celebrations, chocolate and sweet treats can be difficult to resist. Supermarket shelves are loaded with chocolate eggs, meaning overindulgence can be tempting. Nutritionist at The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan, Mark Gilbert, has compiled his top 10 tips on how to have a guilt-free Easter this year:

1. Stock up on protein. Before thinking about indulging on an Easter egg this year, have a meal that’s high in protein, fibre and liquid. When researchers looked at a variety of 38 different foods, those highest in protein, fibre and with high water content kept people feeling full the longest! So meat, eggs, nuts, soups and fish…surprisingly, apples, oranges and boiled potatoes also have a surprisingly good ability to ward off the munchies too, despite their low protein content!
2. Remember what motivates you. Keep a track of your achievements. Whether this be a weight-loss victory or simply a moment where you successfully resisted temptation, reminding yourself of your motivation will help to make any sweet-treat a little easier to resist!
3. Build habits. If you’re looking to lose weight, it can take a few weeks for shifting your eating pattern to become an established habit – so start thinking about this now. If you stick at it between now and Easter, you’ll reap the benefits.
4. Speak to someone who can support you. Support from another person can really help to keep you on track, whether it’s a friend, partner or a professional. The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan offers a personal consultant to help give you any guidance you may need. Whether you’re having a bad day, or need that extra motivation, get in touch with that person you know you can rely on.
5. Drink plenty of water. Not only does water help to keep our skin healthy, it also aids the function of the digestive system. Try to drink a glass of water when you feel a hunger pang – thirst can easily be mistaken for feeling peckish.
6. Physically walk away from the craving. Try to distract yourself when surrounded by enticement. Simply taking a shower or going for a walk can be an easy way to preoccupy your mind when the cravings hit.
7. Plan your meals for the day ahead. Being organised with your meals can help to ensure that you have something nutritious prepped for any time of day. It’ll help motivate you too knowing that everything is sorted and you don’t need to spend hours thinking about what you can and can’t eat.
8. Try to eat chocolate in moderation. We all need a little treat now and then so if you do feel that you need the taste of chocolate this Easter, eat it in moderation and be mindful of what it is. The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan offers delicious Choc Mint and Salted Caramel bites which you can enjoy as a snack or even a meal without breaking your plan – they’re available in specific serving sizes, to ensure your indulgence doesn’t turn into a full-on binge!
9. Try your hand at creating your own treats or hacks. Instead of feasting on chocolate eggs, why not follow a healthy recipe this Easter? It’s not only better for you but baking is also a great way to engage children over the Easter period, allowing much-needed family time. And to ensure you don’t feel left out when everyone is tucking into their eggs, you could create your own snack stash full of healthy treats to give you that boost. Check out this recipe for inspiration: http://shakeitup.cambridgeweightplan.com/mix-it-up-chocolate-mint-truffles/
10. Stay positive. Think about how far you’ve come and how many goals you have already accomplished – head into the Easter break with confidence!