Strategies to control the consumption of chocolates after Easter

Tips for managing chocolate consumption after Easter

Chocolate lovers' favorite period is the perfect excuse to receive and gift delicious chocolate eggs. This delicacy combines cocoa, which contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties beneficial to health, with sugar and fat, considered harmful for a healthy diet. Now that Easter is just over, do you also have a small stash of chocolates to consume in the coming days or weeks?

Nutritionist Jéssica Ferreira explains that it is possible to have a balanced consumption of chocolates even after Easter. For this, it is important to avoid eating chocolate when you are hungry. In these moments, it is essential to have a complete meal that provides satiety.

"Chocolate should be consumed as a dessert, and if you are satisfied, you will be able to better control the amount you are going to consume", explains the nutritionist.

Another tip is not to chew the chocolate right away. It has a smooth texture that easily melts in your mouth. When we let the chocolate melt, it takes longer to consume it, which intensifies the flavor, as it stimulates the taste buds, and this also helps to control the amount.

In order not to give up this sweet pleasure, the ideal is to consume only a small daily portion. The suggestion is to divide the chocolate into pieces or squares and store them separately to consume little by little, after meals. The ideal amount of chocolate is individual and varies according to the characteristics of each person, but many nutritionists consider up to 40g per day an adequate amount.

Avoid making stock

When your Easter chocolates run out, try to avoid restocking. "The more chocolate you have, the greater the tendency to eat until you run out", explains Jessica.

The nutritionist also points out that children under two years old should not consume sugar.

"For children a little older, it is worth starting to teach them the best way to consume chocolate from an early age, setting times, limiting the amount and teaching them to let it melt in their mouth... And most importantly: children are influenced by example. Therefore, parents should practice the habits they want their children to adopt", says Jessica.

over consumption

If you've overindulged in chocolate, avoid feeling guilty and return to a healthy, balanced diet. "An episode of indulgence will not make you more or less healthy, nor will it make you lose or gain weight. What matters is the set of meals and your eating routine", explains the nutritionist.

Healthier chocolate options

Although you cannot choose the chocolate you got at Easter, you can be aware and opt for healthier alternatives when consuming this delicacy. Chocolates with a higher cocoa content (above 60%) and a lower amount of sugar can be consumed in a healthier way.