Happy Easter!

One of Spring’s biggest holidays is this weekend – Easter! This is a holiday that can sometimes spread out over a couple of days, so make sure you have a plan for the days you are eating clean and enjoy your Cheat Day!

One of the main things to watch out for this week is Easter candy. There is a time to indulge and a time to say no. Maybe you buy some candy early to fill easter eggs and baskets, so make sure you aren’t snacking before your day to indulge. And once the holiday is over, no more! Don’t over buy so that you have leftover candy lying around. We sometimes do this when we have an reason to buy candy and treats, using a holiday as an excuse to have them when we normally wouldn’t. We think, one more piece of chocolate or candy on Monday won’t hurt, I don’t want to waste it. I’ll get rid of it tomorrow. Or, I’m saving it for the kids. No excuses! The weather is warming up and summer is around the corner. Now is not the time to fall off the wagon. Last week it was St. Patrick’s Day, this week it is Easter and Passover is in just a few short weeks. Whether you celebrate some or all of those holidays, now is the time to be on your toes. Think about your goals. Is it a certain event or time that you have in mind – Spring break, summer, or a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or other event approaching? Or do you just want to achieve your goal for personal reasons – confidence, pride, achievement, strength. Whatever it may be, now is the time to be on your best behavior.

Planning is the key. Think about the treats you want to enjoy and think about your schedule for the next few days. Maybe you are attending or hosting a family dinner or a party. If so, plan to make or bring healthy dishes so you have options. You can make a festive veggie platter:

Or you can make these adorable carrots and hummus cups:

Or jump into spring with a fresh fruit salad. You can add sprigs of mint (shredded) for a delicious flavor, or juice from a lemon or lime for more flavor and to help preserve the fruit. Combine fruits of your choice in bite sized pieces. Use fresh fruit when you can, or if you buy canned fruit make sure it is in 100% juice and is not sweetened.

Maybe your kids have a school event or an Easter egg hunt, which is great. Getting outside and enjoying the weather with your friends and family is an awesome way to spend the holiday. Walk as much as you can and plan other activities, such as arts and crafts or games.

Planning ahead can only help. Enjoy the holiday and make this most of this week.

Happy Easter!

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018