In the months leading up to Easter, it’s difficult to go to anywhere near the shops and not be tempted by Easter treats – SO MUCH chocolate!
But for those of us with dietary restrictions, either from an existing medical condition or the need to watch our weight, Easter can be a challenging time of year.
The great news is that these days there are plenty of options available that allow us to be naughty in a nicer way. While chocolate and lollies aren’t healthy, we all need a treat now and then, and what better time than Easter, when there are so many options available!
Here are a few to look out for:
Sugar free chocolate
It’s true – you can enjoy sweet-tasting, delicious chocolate without sending your sugar levels sky high! Made with Stevia (a natural sugar alternative), and stocked in most supermarkets and online stores, you can find sugar-free or low sugar chocolate in egg or block form.
Dark chocolate
If you’ve avoided dark chocolate because you think it’s bitter, hear us out. Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70%, 80%, even 95%) has less sugar than its milk chocolate counterpart, simply because there is less room to fit the sugar in. Give it a try! It’s rich, so a little goes a long way, which is another way to cut back your sugar intake.
Sugar free lollies
Again, most supermarkets stock these, and a lot of chemists too! From butter candy to strawberry frogs, there’s no need to miss out on your favourite treats this Easter.
Sugar free and low carbohydrate cake mixes
If you prefer a little DYI (but not too much), there are a range of options for those wanting less sugar and lower carbs in their cakes, cupcakes and puddings. Relying on alternative flours like almond and lupin, these pre-mixes taste like the real deal while still helping you stick to your dietary goals.
Sugar free Easter baking from scratch
Type or speak ‘sugar free baking’ into any search engine and you’ll have no trouble finding sugar free, low carb and high protein recipes. Whether you’re a professional baker or a beginner, there are recipes out there for your level of expertise. You might raise your eyebrows at some of the ingredients (avocado mousse?), but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!
Here is a very simple recipe to get you started:
Peanut butter cookies (sugar free and low carb)
Ingredients
1 cup of peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
1 cup of Stevia natural sweetener
1 large egg
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
*If you are allergic to peanut butter, you can use sunflower butter or almond butter instead.
Method
Place all the ingredients into a bowl and mix well until you have a sticky ball.
Roll the dough into smaller balls, about the size of a walnut and place on a tray lined with baking paper. You should get 12-18 cookies.
Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork.
Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for about 12 minutes.
Allow to cool before serving, as the cookies will be soft when they are hot.
Enjoy!
Alternative Easter gifts
You don’t have to buy chocolate at Easter. Maybe you don’t like the stuff (it can happen), or you want to avoid temptation altogether. You might be buying for someone who is determined to be extra good this Easter, or doesn’t like chocolate either. Here are some simple gift ideas that aren’t chocolate-based but are sure to please:
- Coffee beans
- Candles
- A reusable coffee cup
- Tea
- Pyjamas or fluffy slippers (bunny-themed is appropriate)
- Gift vouchers or movie tickets
- Books
- Skin care products
For the kids, what about these ideas:
- A plush toy, perhaps a chicken or rabbit
- A children’s book with a rabbit theme, or perhaps a colouring book
- Pyjamas and bunny slippers go on this list too
- Easter-themed puzzles
- A set of rabbit ears
- Arts and crafts. Make some Easter baskets, Easter cards, or use toilet roll tubes to make bunnies
However you do or don’t celebrate Easter, we at Enhanced Lifestyles hope you have a safe and happy long weekend!
Got any baking or shopping tips you’d like to share? Let us know at marketing@enhancedlifestyles.com.au so we can share your top recommendations with our customers.
