There are a few times of the year when we can use the excuse to go all out and celebrate and generally blow any healthy regime we might have and Easter is definitely one. Easter conjures up the milkiness that is creamy chocolate or that wonderful dark and bitter sensation. What ever type of chocolate you like you certainly won’t have trouble finding it! I have only come across one person in my life time who doesn’t like chocolate and I don’t think he was really telling me the truth! What is it about chocolate that leaves even grown men weak at the knees? Is there anything healthy about chocolate and how much is too much of a good thing? There has been plenty of press regarding chocolate and it’s so called health benefits of late. I think the main health benefit of chocolate is purely psychological. Eating chocolate is a pleasurable experience and increases ‘feel good’ hormones so we feel great! Like everything in moderation a little bit of what you like does you good, and chocolate is no exception.

I find that a lot of people use their chocolate craving as an excuse. I don’t believe it to be a craving just for chocolate but more likely a sugar craving and often a sign of magnesium deficiency. I am often asked about the antioxidants in chocolate and if you pay any attention to the media you will be aware of all those marvellous antioxidants in chocolate and how good it really is – or is it? Dark chocolate has been shown to contain some antioxidants however; both milk and dark chocolate contain high levels of saturated fats and sugar. To improve your antioxidant intake and before reaching for chocolate or even red wine think lots of colourful fruits and vegetables first and foremost.

Eating a healthy balanced diet 95% of the time gives you 5% leeway to have a so called ‘treat’ and really enjoy it. Easter is one time when you can have your egg and eat it! I guess the general rule here is not to go overboard. I think for a lot of people chocolate is a forbidden treat which reads GUILT all over it and once you’ve had one there is no turning back!

So this Easter don’t go overboard. The best eggs you can start your day with are either scrambled, poached or boiled. You will be guaranteed to get some protein and plenty of vitamins and minerals such as zinc, copper, iodine, chlorine, sulphur, selenium, Vitamins A, D, E, C, B1, B2, folate, B12, Biotin and Pantothenic acid – how about that for a healthy mouthful! If you must have your chocolate Easter egg, just have one and leave it at that! Get some exercise in over the weekend and keep the alcohol intake to a social minimum and enjoy the break.