Easter is a special time of year that many of us look forward to. It's a time to take a break from studies, relax, and enjoy the company of friends and family.
While you might be looking forward to the chocolate eggs and other treats, if you're wondering how to enjoy your Easter holiday period without falling behind on any of your long-term health goals, here are some tips to help you over the Easter break.
Plan your Easter meals
One of the most effective ways to eat healthy during the Easter break is to plan your meals. Planning your meals helps you stay on track and ensures that you get all the nutrients your body needs. Start by making a list of healthy foods that you enjoy (such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and nuts) and plan your meals around these foods. Try to include a variety of colours on your plate, as this will ensure that you're getting a range of vitamins and minerals.
Plan your Easter treats as well. While it's okay to indulge a little, it's important not to go overboard.
Eat chocolate mindfully
Eating chocolate mindfully can be a delicious and enjoyable experience that doesn't have to leave you feeling guilty. Instead of denying yourself the pleasure of indulging in your favourite treats over Easter, try savouring them slowly and deliberately, paying attention to the flavours, textures, and sensations. Mindful eating can help you to fully enjoy the experience of eating chocolate, while also tuning in to your body's hunger and fullness cues, so you can avoid overeating. Remember that treating yourself in moderation can be a positive and healthy way to enjoy the holiday season, so go ahead and savour that chocolate bunny guilt-free!
Cook at home
Cooking at home is a great way to eat healthy and save money. When you cook at home, you can control the ingredients that go into your meals, and you can avoid the added sugars and unhealthy fats that are often found in restaurant meals. Plus, cooking can be a fun and creative activity, and you can involve your family and friends.
During the Easter break, try to experiment with new healthy recipes. You can make a healthy Easter brunch with egg-white omelettes, whole-grain pancakes, and fresh fruit. Or, make a healthy Easter dinner with roasted vegetables, grilled fish, and a quinoa salad. Try out this recipe for a Hot Cross Bun-ana Bread Loaf, courtesy of Accredited Practicing Dietitian and UQ Research Assistant Zara Nance.
Get active
Getting active is another important aspect of staying healthy. Exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on both physical and mental health. During the Easter break, try to incorporate some physical activity into your routine. You can go for a walk, run, or bike ride, or participate in a workout class. Find something that you enjoy and make it a part of your daily routine.
Additionally, Easter is a great time to get active with family and friends. You can organize an Easter egg hunt, play a game of football or basketball, or go for a hike in nature. Not only will you be getting some exercise, but you'll also be spending quality time with your loved ones.
Maintaining social support
If you are enjoying treats but want to keep consumption at a reasonable and healthy level, it’s important to inform family and friends to avoid overfeeding you with festive treats. When heading out for events and gatherings, let your close ones know that you are keeping the sweet treats under control. They might even offer you healthier options when that happens. Attitudes and positive behaviours are often infectious, you could even positively influence their food choices too!
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is important for both physical and mental health. Drinking plenty of water can help you maintain healthy skin, aid in digestion, and prevent dehydration. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day and avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, and excessive alcohol as they have a dehydrating effect.
You can also stay hydrated by drinking herbal teas, coconut water, and fresh fruit and vegetable juices. Try making a refreshing green smoothie with spinach, banana, and almond milk, or a tropical fruit smoothie with mango, pineapple, and coconut water.
Take care of your mental health
Taking care of your mental health during the Easter break is essential. While eating healthy and staying active can have a positive impact on your mental health, it's also important to take time for yourself. Make sure to get enough rest, spend time with loved ones, and engage in activities that bring you joy. Taking care of your mental health will not only help you feel better in the moment, but it can also help you maintain good mental health in the long run. Make sure to prioritise your mental health this Easter break and beyond.
Adopting healthy habits during the Easter break can help you return to your studies feeling refreshed and revitalised. By making mindful choices around food, exercise, and mental health, you can feel your best during the break and carry these habits with you as you return to your studies. Staying healthy can boost energy levels, improve concentration and productivity, and reduce stress levels, all of which are essential for your academic success.
So, use this Easter break as an opportunity to prioritize your health, and return to university feeling healthy, focused, and ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way.
If you’re looking for individualised support and advice around diet and nutrition, the UQ Dietetics Clinic has Accredited Practicing Dietitians available to provide advice.
If you’d like to read more, you can check out our guide to a guilt free Easter.
Authors
Zavier Tan is a first-year Master of Dietetics student at UQ. He sees the value of food and its integral place in healthcare. He is also extremely interested in working in aged care facilities and has a big heart for seniors. He is passionate about increasing the health and overall well-being of the elderly population both in Australia and his home country, Singapore.
Casey Webb is a first year Master of Dietetics student at UQ as well as a qualified Remedial Massage therapist and Personal Trainer. He is passionate about the potential that food can have in everyone's quality of life, as well as the role that it plays in shaping our cultures and society, especially with regard to health and disease.