‘I’ve had so many naughty snacks’…

‘I’ve had so many naughty snacks’… 😈

With Easter just behind us I’m hearing a lot of people saying how ‘naughty’ they’ve been or how they’ve been having lots of ‘naughty’ snacks. When you’re trying to lose fat it’s natural to try to avoid ‘junk’ food or foods high in sugar and fat. One such ‘naughty’ snack is the Cadbury chocolate orange mousse bunny . It’s chocolate so very often it’s perceived as a bad thing to be eating and is therefore accompanied by feelings of guilt and shame. But eating the cacao and almond ball is viewed as healthy and something to feel virtuous about.

In reality in terms of calories, sugar and fat the ‘healthy’ snack is not really much better than the chocolate! Yes the cacao ball has a little more protein (which can help you feel fuller for longer), and more micronutrients, so it is a slightly more balanced snack, but that doesn’t mean the chocolate is necessarily a bad option. Contrary to what many people may think the chocolate also has less sugar too (again something that is often vilified unnecessarily). The calories are very similar between the two.

Overall calories and overall nutrition across your entire diet are what count – and if you’re trying to lose fat you need to be in a calorie deficit – and in that scenario either would probably be fine if you have enough calories for an approximately 170 cal snack, especially if you’re eating a balanced diet and getting protein and the other nutrients in your other meals.

Emotional well being is also important and depriving yourself of foods you enjoy and instead choosing the cacao ball under the misguided impression that it’s a healthier option or isn’t good for long term sustainability or a healthy approach to food.

As an additional aside – the bunny is only 40p and the cacao ball is £1.85! So you’re saving yourself a good few pennies too!

So if you have a few Easter chocolate bunnies still hopping around at home don’t feel guilty about eating them!🤗