5 Tips for Navigating Easter

Easter is nearly upon us.

As Easter rolls around, it’s totally normal to feel a mix of excitement and a little anxiety. The extra public holidays are good. The celebrations can be fun, but all the tempting treats—chocolate bunnies, eggs, mountains of hot cross buns—can make it tricky to stick to your health goals.

It’s easy to feel the pressure to indulge, especially since these festive goodies only come around once a year (or so we are told). We start thinking, "If I don’t eat them now, I’ll miss out!" But that fear of undoing all our progress can lead to stress and guilt when we just want to enjoy the time off and relax.

This Easter Friday, we’ve got your back. Here are five mindset tips to help you fully enjoy Easter celebrations without feeling like you have to sacrifice your well-being.

#1 Plan and Set Intentions

Before heading into Easter gatherings, plan your meals and snacks to ensure you have healthy options available. Eat filling meals beforehand (with plenty of protein) to avoid arriving hungry, which can lead to more impulsive food choices. Decide what treats you might enjoy in moderation and stick to your plan.

#2 Mindful Choices, Not All-or-Nothing

If you choose to enjoy foods that are not part of your usual plan, remember that it doesn't have to lead to a complete blowout. You can still make mindful choices and enjoy whatever foods you choose without feeling like you need to throw in the towel. Focus on savoring each bite and stopping when satisfied, rather than feeling obligated to finish everything. It's OK to throw out food. It's OK to not eat everything on your plate. It's OK to change your mind halfway through an easter egg and chuck the rest in the bin.

#3 Manage Emotional Triggers

Easter can be emotionally charged, especially with family gatherings. Be aware of emotional triggers that might lead to overeating or unhelpful choices. Practice self-compassion and have a strategy in place for managing stress or unexpected situations.

#4 Bring Your Own Low-Carb Delights

Take control by bringing yummy and healthy low-carb dishes to share. This ensures you have options that align with your health goals so you can enjoy the festivities without feeling left out. Here are some delicious ideas:

• Low-Carb Chocolate Bark: Combine dark chocolate with freeze-dried raspberries and almond flakes for a delightful Easter treat. View Recipe
• Low-Carb Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies: Rich, gooey, and perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without raising blood sugar. View Recipe
• Low-Carb Raspberry and White Chocolate Cheesecake: A creamy dessert that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. View Recipe
• High-Protein Chocolate Mousse: A light and satisfying dessert option. View Recipe
• Low-Carb Gingerbread Cookies: Perfect for a festive touch without the carbs. View Recipe
• Cottage Cheese Ice Cream: A refreshing and healthy dessert alternative. View Recipe

#5 Return to Routine with Self-Reflection

If you do slip up, don't dwell on guilt. Instead, reflect on what happened with kindness and return to your routine as soon as possible. Focus on nourishing meals and consistent habits to overcome any temporary setbacks. Use the experience as a learning opportunity to strengthen your resolve.

Oh, and the leftover chocolates and hot cross buns - it is totally OK to throw them out. You don’t need to eat them in order to get rid of them. Your body is not the bin!

Wishing you a safe and super fun Easter!

With love and great health

Dr Lucy and Dr Mary XX

P.S. Ready to break free from stress and guilt around food? Join our next round of the 12 Week Mind Body Rebalance - starting late May. Secure your spot now and transform your relationship with food and your body. Click HERE to learn more and join the waitlist now!

Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy are the founders of Real Life Medicine. They help women who have been on every diet under the sun, optimise their health and achieve long lasting weight loss without feeling miserable or deprived.

They do this with their 3 step framework that

• Improves metabolism
• Develops mindset skills
• Provides tools to implement it easily into busy lives

With this comes increased energy, vitality and confidence.

You can avoid chronic disease and stop living life on the sidelines!