Easter can be a time of indulgence for many but it is also a great opportunity to focus on maintaining good gut health and healthy habits. Find your balance this Easter with these top tips for savouring sweet treats while nourishing your gut:
1. Balance your treats
For many, Easter involves an abundance of chocolate and other sweet treats. Enjoying sweet treats in moderation is a great way to support and maintain good gut health during this period of indulgence. Too much sugar can disrupt the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut, leading to digestive issues.
2. Take synbiotics
A synbiotic is a combination of probiotics (beneficial bacteria like those found in our award-winning Kefir!) and prebiotics (found in our Complete Prebiotic). Kefir is rich in protein and our Complete Prebiotic is rich in fibre. Together they’re a powerful combination that will contribute to a feeling of satiety (and help curb your sugar cravings!). Click here for some synbiotic smoothie inspiration.
3. Practice mindful eating
Harnessing mindful eating practices during the Easter period can support your digestive system: eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly, and pay attention to hunger and fullness cues.
4. Do not start your day with sugar
Breakfast fuels your body and sets the tone for your day. Starting your day with a balanced, nutritious breakfast can contribute to overall well-being, impact your day and positively influence your later food choices. Here are 9 nourishing breakfast ideas for inspiration!
5. Eat fibre-rich foods
Consuming more sugary treats than usual does not undo your healthy eating. Avoid the all-or-nothing mentality by continuing to include gut-nourishing, fibre-rich foods into your day. Vegetables, fruits and wholegrains can support gut health by promoting regular bowel movements and feeding beneficial gut bacteria. Here are some fibre-rich meal plan ideas to keep you going.
6. Hydrate
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Proper hydration supports digestion and helps prevent constipation, a common issue during times of dietary indulgence.
7. Manage your stress
Easier said than done, but this is an important one! Long-term/chronic stress causes cortisol (the “stress hormone”) to release glucose (sugar) to provide your body with energy during high-stress periods. Your body burns through this supply quickly when stressed, leading to cravings for sugary foods to satisfy those stress-induced hunger cravings. Try taking a leisurely walk after meals to aid digestion and relaxation. De-stress with these 3 tips from Shann.
8. Embrace the festivities!
Remember that celebrations are about joy and connection, savour the moment and indulge mindfully in a way that suits you. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your sugar intake after Easter, we’ve got you covered with these 10 tips.
Are your kids looking forward to an Easter egg hunt this year – or more specifically, the chocolate? We’ve got you covered with these tips for managing your kid’s sugar rush this Easter!
Any questions? Jump on live chat and talk things over with one of our Nutritional Therapists, 8am to 8pm weekdays.
