Healthy Easter treats

3:34pm Monday 17th March 2008

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Easter eggs have been on the shelves for weeks, enticing us to fill our trolley with a big helping of fat, sugar and calories. They are a great treat we all look forward to and if we make the right choices, Easter eggs can fit into a healthy balanced diet, giving our bodies and hearts the best on Easter Day.

Choose dark chocolate eggs and bunnies with a cocoa content of over 70% and have a little every day to benefit from the antioxidants that are good for healthy arteries.

Bake some bunny or chick shaped biscuits with wholemeal flour, ginger or cinnamon and less sugar.

Make a colourful Easter basket of mango, pineapple, star fruit, packets of dried papaya and walnuts.

Organise a treasure hunt in the garden or house that ensures both big and little legs get a workout.

Take the family out for a long walk or do something different like rollerblading, scootering, swimming or cycling. You can then enjoy some toasted hot cross buns, spread with a little low-fat margarine on your return.

Celebrate the Easter holiday with some healthy heart choices that still keep your taste buds happy but are kinder on your waist and your heart.

For more information and advice about healthy living, contact Heart Research UK on 0113 297 6206 or email lifestyle@heartresearch.org.uk .