How to stay in balance over Easter

Easy Tiger

It's the first proper holiday after Christmas so here's a few tips to ensure you don't hurtle headlong into chocolate oblivion and family stresses!



Give yourself a mental health overhaul
You shouldn't wait until life gets tough before you take time out to engage in preventative measures to keep stress and anxiety at bay, but all too often we simply get caught up in life itself until it's too late.  Don't wait any longer!  With the long weekend upon us, now is the perfect time to step back and take some time to understand your emotions and mental health.  Write down some really simple changes that you can incorporate into your life to help keep on top of things.  Even just 10 minutes relaxation / meditation has been proven to be beneficial in reducing stress levels.


Add in some good stuff!
Worried about overdoing it at the big family get together?  At the very least, start the day with a really healthy breakfast.  Why not try a smoothie - whizz up some pineapple, banana, berries and a handful of spinach and hey presto, you've had your hit of vitamins and minerals before the day has barely started.  As an extra bonus, if you've over-indulged during the rest of the day then drag the rest of the family out for a 30 mins walk.  Family time and exercise - bonus!



Make a plan
Plan ahead, schedule the times you can do your workout and stick to them no matter what, even if that means getting up 30 mins earlier before the rest of the family descend on you for the day.  Do some meal prepping so you're not a slave to the kitchen, chop up some veggies and fruit and pop them in the fridge so they're easily at hand.


Savour every sweet treat
Easter .... chocolate!!  Don't just rip off the packaging and stuff your face with complete abandon.  Eat slowly and savour every bite.


When you've overloaded on chocolate or, heaven forbid, would prefer a healthier alternative then why not give this really easy banana bread recipe a go.

Banana Bread
Makes 12-16 slices

2 cups SR flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 ripe mashed bananas
1 & 1/4 cup Greek yoghurt
1/4 cup honey
2 tsp vanilla extract

1. Pre-heat oven to 180 degs. C.  Grease a 9 x 5 cm loaf tin and set aside.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.  Whisk wet ingredients in a separate bowl.  Combine the two and stir to form a batter.
3. Pour into the loaf tin and bake for 30 mins (depending on oven type) then turn off the heat and leave in the closed oven for 10 mins.  Remove from loaf tin and allow to cool before slicing.


Happy Easter everyone!!

 #awesomeapril

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