When the bunny comes to visit...

It's that time of year again where we eagerly await a visit from the treasured Easter Bunny (or Bilby for that matter). This is hands down my favourite day of the year. I have had an Easter egg hunt every year no matter where I am. There have been a few particularly memorable ones too - one where we woke and went outside to find only wrappers and that the dog had eaten them ALL, another in the middle of a Florida summer where the eggs barely lasted two seconds before they all turned into a little puddle of brown muck, and the year that mum made us all wear a crazy hat and run around the garden (my grandfather was completed with a witches hat that day)...

There are a few common questions that I get asked this time of year by clients, friends and family alike.

1. Do you eat chocolate at Easter? Answer - I eat chocolate all year round but particularly at Easter!
2. Am I allowed to eat chocolate at Easter? Of course!
3. Really? So what should I have so I don't come back from the long-weekend with an extra few kilos around my waist? This is a good one...

Snacks, generally speaking, should make up about 1200kJ of your daily intake. You can eat them as you like - 2 snacks that are 600kJ each or 3 snacks that are 400kJ. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for this one, it's what fits in best with your day. Keepng that in mind, here are some good "Easter-friendly" snacks to get you in the spirit without going overboard. A serve of chocolate should be about 25g or:

• 4 Cadbury mini solid Easter eggs - 601kJ
• 1/4 small (100g) gold Lindt bunny - dark or milk  - 570kJ
• 1/2 Cadbury Creme egg - 360kJ
• 4 mini Malteser eggs - 570kJ
• 1/10 Cadbury Crunchie Bunny (about one ear) - 370kJ
• 1/10 Red Tulip Carnival bunny (about one ear) - 390kJ
• 1 Sweet William Sweet As Easter Bunnies - 280kJ (these are nut- dairy- and gluten-free so perfect for those with allergies)

Remember - chocolate tastes so good because it is a combination of fat and sugar and has little other nutrients, so whilst a little is ok, a lot is not a good idea, particularly if you are watching your weight. Boring I know but all things in moderation!

Also take advantage of the fact that a long-weekend means more time for exercise so try to get out and enjoy it! Swimming, walking, cycling or just playing a game of backyard cricket with the fam is a great way to work off the little bit of extra indulgence that may have occurred at the big Easter lunch!

So tell me, do you have any fun Easter traditions?

Happy Easter everyone!

Speak soon...

Zoe

Easter with the family - the funny hat egg hunt!