How to Enjoy Your Easter Treats, According to Sanitarium Dietitian Charlotte Coltart

For some, Easter celebrations can bring up unwanted feelings of concern and guilt when it comes to treat foods. However, it’s normal for our eating habits to look a little different at this time.  

Food may be fuel, but it can be so much more than that. Embracing the role of good food in our celebrations, continuing traditions, and socialising with loved ones is part of a healthy eating attitude and can be a real source of joy.  

Here are some things to keep in mind to enjoy Easter celebrations with a healthy and happy mindset:  

Avoid Labelling Food As Good Or Bad  

So often we are flooded with messages around what food types are good or bad, but the reality is a little more nuanced. Foods rich in nutrients like fibre, vitamins and minerals help our bodies work at their best, so these are the types of food to enjoy most often. Other, less nutrient dense foods can still be enjoyed on occasion and provide energy, enjoyment and social connection. 

Chocolate Can Have Its Benefits 

Cocoa is the main ingredient in dark chocolate and it’s a rich source of antioxidants. Recent research has shown that a little dark chocolate can be good for you. A study published by the British Medical Journal found participants who regularly ate dark chocolate had a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes – but the same pattern was not seen with milk chocolate. It was suggested these results could be due to the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and insulin sensitivity improvements from the polyphenols and flavonoids - found in cocoa-rich dark chocolate. 

“These findings could also reflect that those who regularly consume dark chocolate may have healthier overall diets,” says Charlotte. “If a small amount of dark chocolate helps you to enjoy an overall nutritious and balanced way of eating, then it’s a great addition to a healthy diet.” 

Bring Easter Joy Into The Everyday  

There are ways to bring some Easter joy into our everyday health foods while still packing a nutritional punch. Try prepping some ‘Hot Cross Bun’ Overnight Weet-Bix to have ready for your weekend mornings or roll some Carrot Cake Bites to get some extra veggies and wholegrains.  

Encourage Our Kids To Eat Intuitively 

If you are celebrating Easter with some younger members of the family, this is a great opportunity to model healthy eating patterns. Make sure kids don’t feel judged or watched too closely while they are eating. For many, relationships with food can begin in childhood, so keeping the conversation positive and away from body weight can be a great way to set a good example.  

See The Bigger Picture  

At the end of the day, Easter is just one weekend out of the year, so avoid imposing lots of restrictions on yourself. Enjoy the quality time with loved ones and remember that it’s what you eat most of the time that counts.   

To help you have an exciting Easter Holiday, here are a few of our Accredited Practising Dietitians favourite Easter Recipes:

Trish Guy, Choc-Chunk Hot Cross Buns - “I always make hot cross buns, but will be trying this one this Easter, with dark chocolate for some extra antioxidants.”

Charlotte Coltart, Rainbow Vegie Slice - "Make food fun with Easter‑themed cookie cutters! Kids love eating foods in fun shapes, and letting them cut their own sandwiches or other soft foods, like this Rainbow Vegie Slice, helps them get involved in the kitchen. Little ones who help prepare meals are more likely to try new foods and build healthy habits.”

Shane Landon, Cinnamon Bunny Ear Twists - “These Cinnamon Bunny Ear Twists bring the nostalgic fun of Easter, are easy to make and use nutritious ingredients that I typically already have on hand, like Weet-Bix and Greek yoghurt. Since making these twists doesn't usually require an extra grocery shop, they are a great last minute go-to when needing to take a plate to an Easter gathering, or addition to lunch boxes.”

Eliza Baird, Carrot Cake Easter Bites - “These Carrot Cake Easter Bites are a fan favourite amongst my friends and family. Not only are these bites delicious, but they contain a variety of nourishing plant foods and fibre. It’s a creative way to make veg fun!”

Find more Easter recipes the whole family will love in our Easter Recipe Collection.

Do You Have a Nutrition Question?

Contact our team of expert dietitians by using the free Ask a Dietitian service - online form here, or you can email or call on 1800 673 392.