Time to get back on track

You've enjoyed a lovely, if somewhat different Easter and now it's time to get back on track with your wellness goals.

First, let's start with an overview and a few facts about chocolate. Then we're going to cover how to move beyond the chocolate gorging of Easter and get back on track. Most of the health benefits come from dark chocolate (>80% cocoa is ideal as it has higher amounts of the goodies, is harder to overdo and has less sugar and fat than milk and white chocolate). In fact, white chocolate isn't "real" chocolate as chocolate needs a minimum amount of cocoa solids to be called chocolate. 

The Health benefits of chocolate are thought to come from Flavonoids which act as antioxidants. However you don't need to eat much to see some of these heart health benefits. Benefits in terms of reducing blood pressure and cholesterol are seen in about 8g of dark chocolate (about 1 piece).  

Other health benefits of chocolate are thought to be due to its polyphenol content and ability to increase serotonin levels which may help boost mood and cognition. The fat and sugar content and creamy mouthfeel also add to the pleasure and hedonistic  effect of eating chocolate.  

 The main downside to chocolate is due to its fat, sugar and calorie content which can easily blow out your daily calorie intake if you are unaware. Just check out how much these little goodies contribute:  

1 Lindt ball (12g) – 70 kCalories (kCal) (300kJ) 

Lindt mini Easter eggs (5g) 30kCal (125kJ) 

7g mini easter eggs – 36 kCal (150kJ) 

39g Caramel egg 189kCal (790kJ)  

Cadbury Caramel Egg 177kCal (743kJ)  

 Remember it's all about quality over quantity. It's better to have a little of what you really fancy rather than a whole heap of less enjoyable chocolate. If you overdid the chocolate Easter Sunday remember that it's one day a year and get your wellness goals back on track tomorrow. If you still have chocolate left over here are a few ideas to do on Easter Monday: 

• If still wrapped and unopened give away to a neighbour   
• Break into small, calorie controlled pieces (e.g. equivalent to 1 or 2 squares) and store in an airtight container out of sight.  
• Seal in a container, wrap in cling wrap and store in the freezer (chocolate connoisseurs will shriek in horror but it lasts extra long and in hot climates may just do the trick).  

Most of all enjoy! Chocolate is meant to be enjoyed and not to feel guilty about. Enjoy the good stuff, focus on quality over quantity and get back on track with your wellness goals on Easter Monday.

Join me for a lunchtime webinar this Wednesday the 15th April to gain some support and motivation for optimising your health.

Reserve your spot here:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_23mO9WeESEST80-De5XIyw