Tips For Eating Healthier at Easter

Easter is a day of celebration and indulgence in wine, red meats, and sugary sweets. While it's easy to go overboard in the Easter feast, it's all about balance. Yes, you are allowed yourCadbury Creme Eggs, but use these tips to keep you from completely falling off your diet plan.

✿ Start with the real breakfast of champions: You may not be able to control what's served at the brunch table, but you certainly can control what you eat when you wake up. Make a giant green smoothie or juice, to load up on nutrients and filling fiber.

✿ Drink plenty of water: Place thin cucumber and lemon slices in your water glass for a liver-detoxing and digestion-aiding beverage.

✿ Fill up on veggies: Before you dive into the cheese plate or Easter basket full of candy, munch on a plate full of veggie sticks or salad. The fiber will fill you up, so you are less inclined to overindulge in the bad stuff.

✿ Remember your serving sizes: Serve half of the plate with veggies, a quarter with grains, and a quarter with protein. If you prefer stricter measurements, forget the cups and teaspoons, and use your hand as a measuring cup. One thumb equals one serving of cheese. An open palm equals one serving of meat. A closed fist is one serving of fruit or vegetables. A cupped hand is one serving of grains.

✿ Enjoy bread and candy last: After you've filled up on veggies and protein, then enjoy the bread and butter, Peeps, jellybeans, or chocolate-covered caramels. While it's tempting to inhale five or six candies in one sitting, slow down and thoroughly savor each bite.