Expert reveals how drinking too much over Easter can cause weight gain and health problems

For many Australians, Easter is a time of overindulgence – whether we are drinking more booze, eating more food, or gorging ourselves silly on chocolate.

And while family get-togethers are a cause for celebration, throwing caution to the wind can leave your health, and waistline, more than a little worse for wear.

Sydney-based dietitian and exercise physiologist Gabrielle Maston told FEMAIL overindulgence was a given at Easter, despite the fact this is often detrimental to health.

‘Typically during a holiday season, whether it’s Easter or Christmas, people will put on as much as two kilograms,’ she said.

Sydney-based dietitian Gabrielle Maston (pictured) said overindulging at Easter could see people put on as much as two kilograms, if they weren’t careful

For many Australians, Easter is a time of overindulgence - whether this is on chocolate, food, or a few extra drinks (stock image)

For many Australians, Easter is a time of overindulgence – whether this is on chocolate, food, or a few extra drinks (stock image)

‘And it’s been shown that people don’t get it off.’

The expert said as well as eating extra chocolate people were often consuming more alcohol at this time of year too. 

In fact, a new study conducted by Australian Post shows Australians are planning on spending double on booze this year compared to what they would be spending on Easter eggs.

The survey of more than 2000 people revealed on average people will spend $90 on their tipple of choice and just $43 on chocolate treats.

The expert said as well as eating extra chocolate people were often consuming more alcohol at this time of year (stock image)

The expert said as well as eating extra chocolate people were often consuming more alcohol at this time of year (stock image)

Ms Maston said the problem with alcohol is that it is high in calories, and if it’s consumed in a social setting it is often easy to overindulge without even realising it.

‘It [alcohol] doesn’t fill you up, and in fact, it stimulates your appetite at the same time, this in turn can lead to overeating, something you may not be aware is happening,’ she explained.

‘As a result, it’s incredibly easy to overdo your calorie intake for the day,’ she said. 

If chocolate-infused cocktails are your tipple of choice (pictured), the dietitian said to expect at least double the number of calories in your drink

If chocolate-infused cocktails are your tipple of choice (pictured), the dietitian said to expect at least double the number of calories in your drink

Added to that, there’s the traditional overindulgence in chocolate, another highly calorific food. 

‘Sugar, fat and alcohol are three of the worst macro-nutrients foods, they are all energy-rich, nutrient-poor substances.’

Ms Maston said if you have a health condition such as type two diabetes, your blood glucose levels can soar because of the extra sugar.

‘If weight is a problem, the mix of those three things means you’re going to be likely to gain unwanted kilos much more easily.’

Easter Sunday is traditionally the day when we are supposed to celebrate, so make this day special by leaving yourself a fun treat that you're really looking forward to (stock image)

Easter Sunday is traditionally the day when we are supposed to celebrate, so make this day special by leaving yourself a fun treat that you’re really looking forward to (stock image)

And if chocolate-infused cocktails are your tipple of choice, the dietitian said to expect at least double the number of calories in your drink.

She advises those celebrating to look at limiting themselves to just one day of indulging – and if you are planning on drinking, stick to recommended serving sizes.

‘Easter Sunday is traditionally the day when we are supposed to celebrate, so make this day special by leaving yourself a fun treat that you’re really looking forward to,’ she explained.

‘And don’t chronically overdo it. Our bodies can cope with a one-off, but they can’t cope with continual overeating.’



Read more at DailyMail.co.uk