- The Easter holiday consists of much feasting and we should be careful about the kind of food we consume.
- A registered dietician shared some tips on how to enjoy your Easter holiday feast nutritiously.
- Reducing oil, sugary drinks, and tasty treats are some of the things to consider when wining and dining this Easter holiday.
The Easter holidays are amid us and apart from spending time with Abazalwane, we also look forward to having a good meal.
Throughout the wining and dining, you should be considerate of your food intake because you do not want to find yourself having gained a few kilos by the end of the Easter holidays.
Registered dietitian, Aziwe Booi shares five expert tips on how to prepare your Easter holiday feast in a healthy and nutritious way.
Reduce oil consumption
When preparing your meals, try to use as little oil as possible. "So by using a teaspoon or tablespoon if you're making a larger serving, you can significantly cut down on the fats in your meal!" said Aziwe.
She suggests that we opt for cooking methods that do not require oil and instead of deep frying in a large pan, consider grilling, stewing, broiling, roasting, or steaming.
Use lean cuts of meat
Aziwe says chicken and fish are the preferred lean cuts of meat for the Easter holiday and if you are more of a red meat person, pick portions that have minimal fats.
Adding beans and legumes to your stew can also serve as a "lean source of protein and additional fibre."
Reduce sugary beverages
When we talk about unhealthy foods, we often neglect our beverage intake and we focus on solid foods, forgetting how sugary some beverages are.
"These beverages that are high in sugar are very easy to overindulge in," stated Aziwe.
High intake of sugary drinks that exceed the number of kilojoules your body needs can result in body fat.
If you do not want to let go of your favourite sugary beverages such as soda or energy drinks, consider reducing your intake. "So having half a glass of your favourite sugary beverage with plenty of ice and then spacing it out by having a lower kilojoule alternative or water really assists to ensure that you are not drinking too many kilojoules," Aziwe said.
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Have more veggie sides
The best thing you can bring along to a social gathering is a salad with a variety of greens.
If you are preparing a stew, do not be afraid to add vegetables such as green beans, peppers, carrots, and mushrooms.
Be mindful of the treats you eat
"Food is not just for nutrition. It is also for enjoyment, so the occasional Easter egg or portion of dessert with your loved ones is actually okay to enjoy without any guilt," Aziwe reiterated how you should not deprive yourself of mouthwatering Easter treats but consider portion size.
Aziwe concluded by saying, "It is important to remember that food is a way that we also socialise and come together. So the main thing is just to be mindful of your eating habits, try to add nutrients where you can, but make room to eat the things that you love with the people that you love."
