Easter without the highs and lows!

With Easter just around the corner, it is likely that you will be surrounded by chocolate in all kinds of forms; hollow eggs, spotted eggs, 'cream-filled' eggs, eggs packed with jellybeans, marshmallow eggs, life-size bunnies, eggs with toys... it’s enough to make you go hopping mad!

Traditionally, Easter is a time for celebrating new life.  Historically, hollowed duck eggs were decorated and gifted to symbolise the celebration of new life.  It wasn’t until the late 1800’s that the chocolate egg was produced.  Nowadays, it wouldn’t be Easter without chocolate, so by no means are we saying to omit the deliciousness from your Easter celebrations.  We are simply showing how you can keep the sweet treats in moderation and discover other ways of celebrating with family and friends.

Here are our fun and festive ideas to celebrate Easter without the extreme sugar highs (and lows!).

FIRSTLY, OPT FOR THE GOOD STUFF:

• This year, why not consider opting for a good quality dark chocolate (at least 70%), fair-trade chocolate or chocolate accompanied by nuts and fruit. 
• While kids are often attracted to the 3kg bunny staring at them as they walk into the store, we know this probably isn’t the most sensible option (for them or us!).  Use this as an opportunity to teach your children about moderation.

ON EASTER MORNING, FUEL THEM UP WITH THE REAL THING!

• Keeping with the Easter theme, have an eggy breakfast – boiled, poached, scrambled or fried – eggs are insanely versatile and will keep their tummies full and blood sugars stable throughout the morning.
• Snacks fit for a bunny – provide carrot and celery sticks, on their own or with your favourite dip.  It’s what the Easter Bunny would eat, after all.

WHO DOESN’T LOVE AN EASTER EGG HUNT?

• Consider keeping the chocolate eggs (or prize) to the final hiding place.  Try setting up the hunt with clues to lead to various places around your house or local surroundings.  You could even add in some activity challenges at each point; for example – 10 star jumps, a puzzle they must figure out or a quiz question to answer, before opening the next clue.
• Make some glow in the dark eggs using hollow plastic egg moulds and glow sticks for a night time (or 'lights out') Easter hunt.  You’ll be able to find hollowed eggs at most stockists of Easter products, then simply snap the glow stick and place them in the mould.

MANY CHILDREN LOVE TO GET CREATIVE, SO SET UP SOME ARTS AND CRAFTS, OR TRY MAKING AND BAKING:

• For children of all ages, set up some colouring books and special pens or pencils.
• Make your own playdough, shape as Easter eggs, decorate and wrap in plastic wrap or foil.
• Go searching for oval-shaped rocks and get decorating with paints.
• Download some ‘cut and colour’ Easter activities from the internet – have a go at making bunny masks, homemade Easter baskets or decorations.
• Set up an Easter-themed relay.  Egg and spoon race, anyone? Great fun for children and adults, too!

IF YOU ENJOY THE GIFT-GIVING ASPECT OF EASTER, CONSIDER SOME OF THESE ALTERNATIVE GIFT IDEAS:

• Gifts such as books, bath bombs, balls, chalk, bubbles or yo-yos are loved by children of all ages and can be cost-effective options if you shop around.
• Traditionally, Easter is about celebrating new life and renewal, so why not give an eco-friendly gift of a seedling or plant. There are many benefits of gardening for children and adults alike, and it is a gift that (with a little TLC!) will see you through until next Easter and beyond.

Published with permission by Synergy Health Ltd