Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
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Easter weekend marks the end of Lent and this is a time when chocolate eggs are traditionally exchanged with family and friends.
Chocolate is high in fat, saturated fat and sugar and consuming too much can increase your risk of weight-gain and heart disease. In this healthy tip, we provide ideas for cutting back on chocolate this Easter.
Avoid temptation when shopping for groceries
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Long rows of chocolate eggs appear in supermarkets several weeks before Easter and it can be difficult to avoid temptation. Easter-themed treats are often heavily discounted in the weeks following Easter, which adds to the temptation. Avoid visiting the Easter-themed aisles in supermarkets and try to stay focused on your grocery shopping and finding healthier snacks.
Buy non-edible Easter gifts
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A large Easter egg can contain your entire daily energy requirement. Replacing Easter eggs with non-edible gifts, such as toys, games, books, egg cups or flowers, can be a way to help your loved ones avoid over-indulging this Easter.
Get outdoors and step away from the chocolate
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Make the most of the Spring weather and get outdoors. Remember to leave the chocolate and other high-calorie Easter treats at home.
Going for a walk, run or bike ride can be a good way to shift your focus away from food and stay healthy.
We hope you have a happy and healthy Easter holiday!
For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips.
To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/.
Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers:
https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/.