What's GOOD for you..
SIZE MATTERS: Some Easter eggs are very high in calories, fat and sugar.
For instance, a Cadbury Extra Large Chopped Nut Easter Egg contains a whopping 2,977 calories – that’s more than the 2,500 recommended daily allowance for a bloke and about the same as runners typically use up during a marathon.
If you’re going large, opt for a Cadbury Flake Easter Egg at 1,074 calories.
Better still choose a medium or small size egg. One of the healthiest on the shelves is the Maltesers Milk Chocolate Egg at just 582 calories – an hour’s run. GO DARK: Choose a dark chocolate egg over a milk chocolate one if you want to
Brits love tucking into a roast dinner, but the traditional Easter meal can pack up to 1,000 calories in one sitting. Here are five tips to make it healthier…
1. Lamb might be traditional but it can be fatty. By swapping for chicken you could save up to 241 calories, 30g of fat and 15.5g saturated fat on a typical portion.
2. If you’re choosing beef try to go for the leaner cuts, such as silverside or topside.
3. Whichever meat you choose try to avoid eating the skin, which tends to be fattier. Skim fat off gravy too before serving.
4. Leave your roasting potatoes whole, rather than cutting them up maximise the health benefits. All chocolate does have its advantages for your body, with researchers at Cambridge University linking it to a 37% lower risk of developing heart disease and 29% less risk of having a stroke.
British Heart Foundation dietician Tracy Parker says: “Dark chocolate (with 70% or more cocoa solids) contains the most polyphenols, which can help to reduce blood pressure.”
Often when chocolate is lower in sugar, its bitterness means you’re less likely to gorge on it too.
Because white chocolate doesn’t have as much cocoa it lacks the health benefits of the darker varieties. into smaller pieces. This way they will absorb less fat.
5. Load your plate with veg like peas and carrots to help hit your five-a-day recommended portions.
CRACKING TIP: Start your day some real eggs for breakfast.
Thanks to these protein-packed smashers, you’re less likely to snack later in the day according to studies, which means you might be able to pace yourself when it comes to those chocs.
Other tips include keeping your Easter eggs in the fridge as chilled chocolate lasts longer in the mouth. You can break off pieces to eat gradually rather than polishing off the lot in one sitting.
Also, try to swap chocolate for your usual dessert to cut your calorie intake this weekend. You could also opt for some simnel cake instead – the dried fruit in it contains vitamins and minerals. with
There are lots of novelty hot cross bun flavours, but some pack more calories and sugar than others…
Saints… Sainsbury’s Be Good To Yourself hot cross buns:
ASDA Extra Special apple and cinnamon hot cross buns:
Morrisons hot cross buns:
M&S Marmite hot cross buns:
So-so… Tesco strawberry and white chocolate hot cross buns:
Lidl triple chocolate hot cross buns:
GET MOVING: Plan in some Easter holiday activities such as a bike ride.
An hour’s cycling will work off up to 500 calories, more than three Kit Kat Bunnies.
An Easter Sunday walk will burn around 350 calories an hour, equivalent to two Cadbury Creme Eggs.
Sainsbury’s strawberries & cream hot cross buns:
Aldi rhubarb and custard hot cross buns:
M&S extremely chocolatey hot cross buns:
Sinners… Sainsbury’s chocolate and caramel hot cross buns:
ASDA Extra Special 4 Belgian chocolate hot cross buns
Morrisons The Best double chocolate and caramel hot cross buns:
Waitrose Heston mocha coffee hot cross buns:
CRUST THE JOB:
Millions of us have been tucking into pizza during lockdown and Chicago Town have brought out a new healthier version at Tesco. The Deep Dish Light Cheese Feast boasts 30% less fat thanks to a new cheese recipe. LIFESAVER:
People are getting out and about thanks to the easing of lockdown restrictions and while Cancer Research’s Race For Life events are still postponed until autumn you can join in this April with Race For Life at Home. See raceforlife.cancer researchuk.org.