Easter and chocolate go together like spring and lambs. So, how can you avoid temptation if you’re trying to live a healthier lifestyle? It can be difficult to avoid the mountains of tempting eggs, hot cross buns and chocolate nests, especially when you have kids to please. But we’ve put together some top tips to make your Easter full of smiles, not sugar.
1. Make some low-sugar bakes together
Baking is great fun for kids during the school holidays and there are plenty of cakes that still feel like a treat but have very little sugar. You can use a sugar substitute such as stevia to replace some or all of the sugar or find some low-sugar alternatives to your favourites. There are recipes for sugar-free brownies, homemade cereal bars and feelgood flapjacks on our website.
2. Get inventive with your egg hunt
All kids love a treasure hunt and who says you have to hide chocolate eggs? You could squirrel away toys, balls, numbers or balloons around the house and garden for kids to collect. Or plan an original scavenger hunt with a list of everyday items they need to find. Having one big prize at the end is better than everyone ending up with twenty eggs.
3. Give a gift that keeps on giving
With aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends all buying for your kids you can find yourself with enough eggs to last till Christmas! Instead of chocolate, ask people to choose crafty gifts instead. You could paint hard boiled eggs, design an Easter bonnet or make some Easter decorations together. It’s a great way to keep kids entertained without any sugar.
4. Have a cracking good breakfast
Our cupboards tend to get stuffed with all sorts of sweet things at Easter and, before you know it, you’re eating hot cross buns for breakfast! Go back to basics and celebrate Easter with the humble egg! You can whip up scrambled eggs on toast or delicious egg muffins with your own choice of toppings in a matter of minutes. Healthy, nutritious and delicious!
5. Explore the great outdoors
It’s easy to eat more than we should at Easter, but with the better weather there’s no excuse not to get out and keep moving! Have a look at what’s on in your local area. You could take part in a nature trail, look out for art activities or plan a picnic with family and friends. Packing your own food means you can keep an eye on the sugar content and save a few pennies at the same time.
If you’re planning a low-sugar Easter, you’ll find lots of help on our website. There are some fun activity sheets to download that will keep kids entertained during the holidays while also teaching them about sugar, plus plenty of low-sugar recipes for all the family. The Sheffield Family Guide to Smart Sugar Swaps is also full of great ideas for even the fussiest eaters. It’s on sale at Waterstones Sheffield, independent bookstores and Meze publishing. Plus, for every copy bought we will give one FREE to another family in need. Pick one up if you haven’t already and get cooking up a healthier Easter!
