Why you need to re-think your isolation Easter feast: Nutrition experts reveal what a day of holiday eating REALLY looks like – and it will surprise you

  • Nutrition experts from Equalution shared what a day of Easter feasting looks like
  • Jade and Amal found a hot cross bun, Easter eggs and lamb is like a KFC Feast
  • They said that ‘mindless eating’ while self-isolating can see you stack on weight
  • You need to try things like keeping food out of sight and staying accountable

By Sophie Haslett For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 03:56 BST, 12 April 2020 | Updated: 04:11 BST, 12 April 2020

With Australians across the country stuck at home getting used to a new life in self-isolation this Easter Sunday, many will be using the extra time to snack more and enjoy a delicious Easter feast.

But those ‘mindless’ Easter treats you graze on throughout the weekend can add up to a staggering amount of calories before you’ve even realised it. 

Sydney founders of science-based nutrition program Equalution Jade Spooner and Amal Wakim recently shared a graphic to highlight how one day of Easter eating can quickly rack up to a similar amount of calories as a KFC Family Feast. 

Sydney founders of science nutrition program Equalution shared a graphic to highlight how one day of Easter eating can rack up to a similar amount of calories as a KFC Feast (pictured)

Sydney founders of science nutrition program Equalution shared a graphic to highlight how one day of Easter eating can rack up to a similar amount of calories as a KFC Feast (pictured)

The pair highlighted how a day of mindless snacking while in isolation during the coronavirus pandemic can quickly add up to the equivalent of countless cheeseburgers (pictured)

The pair highlighted how a day of mindless snacking while in isolation during the coronavirus pandemic can quickly add up to the equivalent of countless cheeseburgers (pictured)

The pair highlighted how a day of mindless snacking while in isolation during the coronavirus pandemic can quickly add up to the equivalent of countless cheeseburgers (pictured)

How to prevent mindless eating 

Out of sight, out of mind: To prevent easy access to snacks, keep them away from your work space and in sealed containers as you’re less likely to impulsively start snacking.

Ensure you’re accountable: for your diet by tracking all your food.

Keep pre-portioned snacks in the pantry: It’s easier to plan a few snacks into your day, and measure how many calories, macros and micros you’ve consumed so you can stick to your calorie deficit.

Keep your diet balanced: Now more than ever your body needs good nutrients, so stick to the 80/20 rule.

Focus on one thing at a time: If you’re eating, you’re eating, if you’re watching TV, you’re watching TV. Once you start combining the two, you won’t even notice how or what you’re eating, leading to an excess calorie intake.

The pair found that just one hot cross bun slathered with butter, a couple of small bite-sized Easter eggs and one lamb roast dinner has more calories (1,310 calories) than a KFC Family Feast meal (1,224 calories).

‘Even though this might be a little different to other Easters we’ve had, one thing is for sure: at some point this weekend, you’re going to come into contact with an Easter Feast,’ Jade and Amal posted on Instagram.

‘We don’t believe in removing the foods you enjoy eating, but rather educating you on their calorific value and how to include them in your diet while still losing weight.’

They continued: ‘Rather than trying to avoid any Easter food this weekend, make smart choices.

‘Take note of serving sizes, because things like one little egg might be harmless, but a whole packet can make a BIG calorie impact.’ 

 

 

If you're struggling with mindless eating, Jade and Amal said there are simple things you can do around the home to prevent cravings, including putting snacks out of sight (pictured)

If you're struggling with mindless eating, Jade and Amal said there are simple things you can do around the home to prevent cravings, including putting snacks out of sight (pictured)

If you’re struggling with mindless eating, Jade and Amal said there are simple things you can do around the home to prevent cravings, including putting snacks out of sight (pictured)

The pair recently highlighted how a day of mindless snacking while in isolation during the coronavirus pandemic can quickly add up to the equivalent of countless cheeseburgers.

Jade and Amal found the snacks consumed over seven days contain more calories than 16-and-a-half McDonald’s cheeseburgers (4,966 calories). A single cheeseburger contains 300 calories. 

If you’re struggling with mindless eating, Jade and Amal said there are simple things you can do around the home to prevent cravings.

‘Social distancing is so important right now, but staying at home 24/7 means you’re more likely to fall victim to mindless eating,’ they said.

‘No problem is too big or too small for Equalution to tackle though, and we have some useful tips on kicking mindless eating to the curb.’

The pair specialise in sharing tips to keep people on track and accountable with their eating (pictured)

The pair specialise in sharing tips to keep people on track and accountable with their eating (pictured)

The pair specialise in sharing tips to keep people on track and accountable with their eating (pictured)

The first trick is to keep your snacks ‘out of sight, out of mind’.

To prevent easy access to snacks, keep them away from your work space and in sealed containers so you’re ‘less likely to impulsively start snacking’.

Secondly, they said you need to be accountable for your diet by tracking all your food for the day.

Always keep pre-portioned snacks in the pantry at all times so you don’t overeat.

‘It’s easier to plan a few snacks into your day, and measure how many calories, macros and micros you’ve consumed so you can stick to your calorie deficit,’ the pair said.

‘Keep your diet balanced. Now more than ever your body needs good nutrients so sticking to the 80/20 rule is key.

‘Focus on one thing at a time. If you’re eating you’re eating, if you’re watching TV, you’re watching TV. When you start combining the two is when you won’t even notice how or what you’re eating, leading to an excess calorie intake.’

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