How to stay Healthy over Easter

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Stay focused even in the Chocolate Season!

Easter - The holiday of chocolate eggs and the hot cross bun. Where all the treats and cheats can tend to cascade into a 4-day-long sugar binge. Well… this doesn’t need to be the case! You can still enjoy this family holiday time, indulge in good food and not let Easter affect your healthy lifestyle.

Here are some basic tips to staying in control this Easter.

  1. Don’t buy junk! - Remember whatever you fill your fridge and pantry with is what you will eat. So don’t buy loads of chocolate and tell yourself that you will only eat a little. Stock up on healthy items and yummy salad ingredients and foods to make healthy meals for the family.

  2. Be moderate - If you are going to buy hot cross buns and chocolate then consume them in moderation. Eat a healthy breakfast first and then take a treat on a full stomach.

  3. Opt for healthier chocolate - These days there are so many sugar free chocolate alternatives, even in the supermarkets. Buy these options for the family instead of Cadbury eggs!

  4. Plan to exercise - While exercise will not erase any bad food choices you make, it will make you feel better and probably less likely to want to consume junk foods. Even if it be planning morning walks each day - plan do do something.

  5. Be prepared - The best way to stay on track is ALWAYS to be prepared. Prepare healthy alternatives for yourself and your loved ones over Easter so that you don’t feel like you are missing out. See below Recipes for healthy alternative’s to hot cross buns and chocolate. You’re welcome!

PROTEIN FRUIT LOAF

PROTEIN FRUIT LOAF

Protein Fruit Loaf Recipe

The perfect carb-free alternative to hot cross buns! This one is super easy because all you have to do is buy Protein bread co bread mix. Link HERE to purchase online. Follow the instructions on the packet to make the bread, and just add the following to the bread mix to convert the bread to a delicious fruit loaf:

  • 3/4 cup chopped up dried figs

  • 1/3 cup chopped up dried apricot

  • Handfull of sultanas

  • Some raisins

  • Sprinkle lots of cinnamon

  • Sprinkle a little nutmeg

  • 4 Tbsp of stevia

Toast and serve with organic butter.

GUILT FREE CARAMEL SLICE

GUILT FREE CARAMEL SLICE

Guilt Free Caramel Slice Recipe

You can cure your sweet tooth with this in place of Easter eggs. And what a thoughtful way to give your family sweets too - Home baking that is health conscious.

BASE LAYER

  • 1.5 cups of coconut flour

  • Pinch of salt

  • 3 Tbsp of coconut nectar syrup

  • 120g of melted butter or coconut oil (add slowly and only enough to make a paste. Use more or less than 120g as required).

CARAMEL LAYER

  • 125g macadamia nut butter or cashew nut butter

  • 3 Tbsp coconut nectar 

  • 3 Tbsp organic Coconut Oil, melted

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla bean seeds, extract or powder

  • Pinch of salt

CHOCOLATE LAYER

  • 1/2 cup raw cacao butter

  • 1 cup raw cacao powder

  • 3 Tbsp coconut nectar

  • Stevia (to taste)

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla bean seeds, extract or powder

METHOD

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a 20 cm square baking tin with baking paper.

  • To make the base; mix the coconut flour and salt in a bowl. Stir in the coconut nectar syrup until all is  combined, then add the coconut oil or butter and mix together with your hands to form a smooth dough. Using your fingers, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the base of the prepared tin, then bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and leave to cool.

  • For the caramel filling; melt the ingredients together in a saucepan over medium–low heat, stirring slowly, until nice and runny. Pour the filling over the cooled base, place in the fridge and leave for 30 minutes, or until chilled and set.

  • To make the chocolate topping; melt the raw cacao butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then add the cacao powder, your choice of sweetener (I use stevia). Add the vanilla and stir until well combined and thick and creamy. Once the caramel filling has set, pour the melted chocolate over and smooth the surface. Sprinkle over some salt (this is my preference) and return to the fridge for 30 minutes for the topping to set.

  • To serve; remove from the fridge and cut into fingers  slices with a warm knife.


Have a great long weekend with family and loved ones and stay in control!

GUILT FREE CARAMEL SLICE

GUILT FREE CARAMEL SLICE