Recovering from the “chocolate hangover.”

April 25th, 2011

Happy Spring everyone, thanks for checking in. I was interviewed on Breakfast Television, Edmonton this morning and it was a blast! The crew was number one and from front door security to the boom operator I was thoroughly impressed with the charisma and friendliness of the BT team. The BT studio is no doubt an addictive environment and a bumping place to create and work.

This morning’s interview centered on recovering from Easter eating and the “holiday splurge” or in other words the “chocolate hangover.” Here are a few of my thoughts on the subject.

1. Let go of the guilt, get back on track – today.

Often we can feel guilt and dare I say self-loathing after a weekend of over-indulgence. The bottom line is guilt will get you now where. Let go of the guilt and start anew. Guilt, at best, fuels only negative feelings about one-self and further perpetuates less healthy food choices. Take steps to get back to what you know is healthy and good for you. Visit Health Canadaonline and Canada’s Food Guide for a refresher on the basics of healthy eating. And, better still use the My Food Guide application to create a personalized guide you can follow.

2. Enjoy food together, as a family.

Research supports the numerous benefits of eating together and the family meal. Don’t wait for the holidays to roll around, enjoy family meals – everyday. Family meal time offers time to share and role model healthy eating behaviours. Don’t deprive yourself or your family of festive foods, even if they are not the best choices. Remember enjoy less healthy options in moderation and most importantly in small portions. For example, instead of every family member enjoying a solid chocolate Easter bunny have one chocolate bunny for the entire family and melt it down and enjoy a fruit fondue. Everyone gets to enjoy chocolate bliss, but with the added benefits of real fruit! Get inspired and learn more online by reading this short, but awesome article, “Five Good Reasons to Eat Together.”

3. Break out your apron, get back to homemade cooking.

More often than not we fall prey to commercial products such as cakes, candies and cookies when in fact it’s so much better to get your bake on at home. Homemade goods such as whole-grain carrot muffins or low-fat/high-fiber fruit-based desserts are healthier alternatives to commercial counterparts that are often rich in fat, sugar and salt. For a lot of new and innovative recipes visit Pulse Canada. Did you know you can make a mean chocolate-chip bean cookie? Oh yes, it is possible!

4. Stay active, especially during the holidays.

Plan ahead. Anytime you suspect you will be eating more than usual, or perhaps enjoying higher calorie foods such as a turkey dinner with all the fixings (stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cream spinach, cranberry sauce etc.) it’s a great idea to get moving to burn off those extra calories. Keep it simple. Go for a family hike, or take in a family swim session at your local leisure center. Every little bit adds up. The bottom line is move more, not less, during the holidays.

5. Think outside the food box, get creative.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of an Easter treat? It’s likely something chocolate; however, it doesn’t have to be. There are so many fun and inexpensive items that you can fill an Easter basket with that are not “food.” What about new spring water bottle, or lip gloss? Better yet, a new skipping rope or bubbles for the next trip to the park. Most every kid enjoys crafting so don’t be afraid to try a new craft project such as painting Easter eggs or braiding friendship bracelets. It’s “old-school” but it’s tried and true and fun!

Check out Breakfast Television, Edmonton online or click here to see a clip of this morning’s broadcast.

Special thanks to Colin and Ryan – you guys made this morning an “I want to come back again” experience.