This holiday you will most likely be faced with tempting holiday treats as you gather with family and friends, so today we’ll discuss some simple Easter tips to stay on track with your fitness goals. And let’s just say I could never support a chocolate free life…that would be just wrong.
- Make Exercise an Occasion. Celebrate with family and friends with a scavenger hunt, bike ride, egg and spoon races, or fitness style Easter egg hunt. These are just a few ideas, I encourage you to start thinking of ways to socialize and stay active at the same time. Here’s an Easter Circuit to Try:
Easter Egg NRG Circuit
Cardio: Calisthenics – Pink Eggs
Burpees – 30 sec’s
Skipping – 60 sec’s
Plie squat jumps 15x
Lateral step touches
Cardio: Machines – Green Eggs
Step Mill – 60 sec’s
Rowing – 60 sec’s
Treadmill Incline – 2 min’s
Stairmaster – 2 min’s
Eliptical – 60 sec’s fwd & 60 sec’s back
Core: Purple Eggs
Bicycle crunches 50x
Partner plank w/foot lifts – 60 sec’s
60 sec’s Plank w/alternating hip drop
Inch worm 60 sec’s
Strength: Orange Eggs
Reverse lunges w/knee lift 25x/side
Push-ups 20x
Tricep dips 20x
21’s Arm Curl w/1 leg balance – 60 sec’s
Strength: Machines – Yellow Eggs
Chest Press
Lat Pulldown
Seated Row
Pull Ups
- Start with a real breakfast, after all it is the most important meal of the day. You may not be able to control what’s served on the brunch or dinner table but you can certainly control what you eat when you wake up. Make a smoothie to load up on nutrients and filling fiber, my personal Favorite is a berry one (combo of raspberries, strawberries & blueberries) with 1 ½ cups of milk (regular or almond) + 1 tbsp of flax seeds, chia or hemp for protein, omega’s and extra fiber. Simple to make and versatile.
- Drink Plenty of Water. Place thin cucumber and lemon slices in your water for a refreshing liver-detoxing and digestion aiding beverage.
- Incorporate real eggs as part of your celebration. Real eggs are a great source of protein and rich in vitamins. You can get the kids involved during the week with egg dying and painting providing beautiful hard boiled eggs to enjoy for breakfast Easter morning.
- Fill up on Veggies. Before you dive into the Easter basket take a cue from the Easter Bunny and munch on a plate full of veggies or salad. The fiber will fill you up, so you are less likely to overindulge.
- Enjoy the Sweets last. After you’ve filled up on veggies and protein, then enjoy the holiday treats. While it’s easy to inhale five or six….or a whole bag of candies in one sitting, slow down and savor each bite. (Speaking from someone who looooves chocolate herself, I know enjoy indulging in a few squares of 85% dark. The difference in the sugar is amazing. It’s about 1/3 or less than even 70% dark.
- Exchange non-chocolate gifts. Check out local stores for soft and cuddly stuffed animals, or fun bubble wands, puzzles, foam airplanes, and more! Kids love the fun!
- Treat yourself on just one day and then save (or donate) the rest if self-control isn’t your thing it might be better to give it away afterwards.
- Watch your portion sizes. Fill your plate with veggies, go easy on the carbs and keep your portion to a fist size serving. If you are enjoying the holiday treats then pass on dessert afterwards.
- Go for quality not quantity. “No Cheap Chocolate.” Pay more and purchase smaller amounts of quality chocolate. The better the chocolate the more your savor every mouthful, plus not having as much means consuming less calories.