SUN: Food thread/Easter survival

Maybe not many of you will be on the board today... but in case you are... and you celebrate Easter, I found these Easter survival tips:

Watch that basket
The best approach to Easter? Focus on the meaning and the nonfood traditions of the holiday rather than the meals. Then, once you're looking at the bigger picture — not just candy-filled Easter baskets — figure out how to incorporate some of your favorite low-calorie foods into the holiday for a healthy approach to weight loss. Here are some more tips:

Since you know sweets will be around, plan for them
Save calories elsewhere in the day for a small splurge. Some chocolate can be good for you. Try buying small, individually wrapped chocolate eggs and jelly-bean packs. Avoid the giant chocolate bunnies, no matter how cute they are.

Don't sit down to dinner on an empty stomach
You'll be more likely to overeat. Try snacking on those colorful hard-boiled eggs — one large egg has around 76 calories. It's a filling, nutritious choice.

Be active
Go for a walk before church or coordinate a street-wide Easter egg hunt or parade.

Rethink that Easter basket
Sometimes nontraditional gifts (books, costume jewelry, gift certificates) are even more appreciated than the usual candy.

Shift your focus
Remind yourself that holidays are not about a whole season, a whole weekend or even a whole day. They're a time to be shared with loved ones. They're not about dinner.

"Un"-Chocolate Eggs
Instead of buying lots of candy, buy plastic eggs and fill them with stickers, money or small toys. Kids love them because they can hide them over and over again!

Spread the wealth
'Share' is the key word. Don't buy a big bag of candy. But if it ends up that you have one: Share, share, share!

Smart requests
Ask the Easter Bunny for some nonfood rewards, or ask for things that will help with your weight loss: individual-size puddings, granola/cereal bars, dried fruit.


So what are you eating today?

Me?  I work today, so thankfully no big get togethers for me.

B: Eggs
L: Ham
D: Panera soup perhaps