Easter is approaching.

If you are working towards a weight loss goal, holidays and family gatherings can pose a challenge. But, with a bit of preparation and some creativity, it’s possible to enjoy food that is both nutritious and tasty. Take a look at our ideas for a healthy Easter feast, which are ideal if you’re entertaining at home…

The snacks

For a healthy take on Easter eggs, why not make a classic snack like devilled eggs? It’s possible to create low-calorie versions by trading the mayonnaise for plain yoghurt or low-fat cream cheese. Some other great party snacks include veggie sticks, like carrots, celery, and red peppers, all of which can be served with a dip like guacamole or homemade hummus; kale chips; cherry tomato and mozzarella skewers; and steamed edamame beans.

The mains

The truth is, delicious meals needn’t be unhealthy. Choose fresh ingredients packed with nutrients and avoid processed foods as much as you can by making your own dishes from scratch. Light quiches are always crowd-pleasers, and it’s even possible to make pastry-free crusts — opt instead for recipes for low-carb crusts made with ingredients like cauliflower, sweet potato or broccoli. Lean meats and fish with cooked veggies or salads also make a great meal, and are bound to go down well with guests.

The dessert

When it comes to dessert, it’s easy to feel left out if you’re trying to avoid too much sugar. The good news, however, is that is possible to satisfy your sweet tooth with some healthy options. Plain yoghurt mixed with fresh berries makes a great calcium-rich treat, while there’s nothing wrong with a bit of dark chocolate enjoyed in moderation. A tasty, low-calorie dessert, chia seed pudding is packed with fibre and it’s possible to whip up a sugar-free version quite easily. Simply combine a tablespoon of chia seeds with about 80ml of water, cover and put in the fridge for half an hour. Once the seeds have soaked up the water, you can stir in some cocoa powder or peanut butter, and add some honey or sweetener if you like.

The drinks

Remember that it is always best to avoid drinks that are high in empty calories, like soft drinks and alcohol. Rather stay hydrated by sticking to water as much as possible. Make your water a little more interesting by adding some lemon and cucumber, mint, or fresh berries. For something different, let some chunks of pineapple soak in your jug of water for a few hours before drinking. You can also freeze slices of citrus fruit and use as zesty ice cubes.

For more of our favourite healthy recipes, take a look at the collection we have put together here.

If you’re interested in starting your weight loss journey, please get in touch to arrange a consultation with Dr Kevin Dolan. Our dedicated weight loss team will make sure that you have the support and assistance you need as you work towards your goals