Easter Preparation Tips
As the supermarkets and bakeries continue to fill up with Easter treats and baked goods, it can be difficult to resist the tasty warm hot cross buns and endless chocolate filled eggs.
Now don’t get me wrong… I enjoy our “soul foods” every now and again, but within reason as its important to remain mindful without being restrictive. This means, we can enjoy our “sometimes” foods without feeling guilty and prevents us from going stir-crazy on foods like hot cross buns, easter pastries and or easter eggs because they’re available at our fingertips! Unfortunately, these foods only lead to increased inflammation due to the high sugar and fat content, especially when eaten regularly and or in excess and create unhealthy habits and cravings. It’s all about providing yourself with permission to enjoy the chocolate or treat you love most and learn to stop when you're truly satisfied.
Some options to help you out this Easter…
You can go ahead and make healthier versions of hot cross buns, balls, you name it - anything these days, which if thats what you’re after and satisfies you… check out my recipe from last year - Hot Cross Bun Loaf
But I do appreciate that sometimes we just want to enjoy the real thing or at least close to it! Here are my dietitian tricks to help you balance your Easter treats this year!
Balance one of your favourite hot cross buns as a breakfast alternative and serve alongside some high protein yoghurt, ricotta cheese and or a glass of milk to fill you up and to complete the meal. This helps prevent you from eating two buns in the one sitting!
Avoid skipping meals or reducing your carbohydrate intake to “make room” for extra baked goods or chocolate - this only makes you crave or want more sweets due to a drop in your blood sugar levels.
Choose your your favourite Easter treat and enjoy until you’re satisfied but not feeling overly full and sick. Take your time, appreciate the flavours and textures. Enjoy with friends and or family to make the occasion even more special!
Easter Breakfast or Treat Ideas for you and the kids!
Woolworths - boiled eggs and fresh carrots shaped into Easter bunny characters - see the idea here
Woolworths - rice cakes topped with light cream cheese, sliced apple and carrot to represent a bunny - see the idea here
Woolworths - healthy oat pancakes loaded with colourful fruit - see recipe here
Use the above recipe and shape the pancakes into a bunny like the image to the right.
Healthy hot cross bun ingredient toppers to make it a ‘balanced’ breakfast option:
sliced avocado and melted low fat cheese
low fat cream cheese + sliced banana + cinnamon
ricotta cheese and natural jam
high protein vanilla yoghurt as a spread
Easter French Toast
Version One: Easter Bun French Toast Fingers
slice a hot cross bun into “fingers”
whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon
soak the hot cross bun fingers in the wet mix. Heat a medium fry pan and toast each side until crispy & browned
serve with berries and a drizzle of low sugar maple syrup or honey and add a dollop of ricotta or yoghurt
Version Two: Easter Homemade French Toast
put aside slices of rustic sourdough bread
whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon & cardamon
soak the rustic sourdough bread in the wet mix. Heat a medium fry pan and toast each bread in the pan until golden brown and cooked through on each side. Add sultana’s and cranberries to the pot to slightly caramelise
Remove all from the pan and assemble onto a plate. Drizzle with low sugar maple syrup and serve with a high protein creamy vanilla yoghurt + extra sprinkle of cinnamon and sliced fresh or slightly roasted apple.
Enjoy & Happy Easter to you and your family!
Searching for personalised advice, Aimee is available online and or in two of her NSW South Coast clinics. Click the link here to book online. Aimee also offers individualised meal plans focusing on specific needs and goals. Visit the website here.
