Easter is approaching and with it the arrival of the “Easter Bunny” to deliver chocolate eggs to the children, who are anxiously waiting for Sunday to go out and look for them.
Unfortunately, this habit can lead to health problems if it is not consumed in a controlled manner, even altering the eating routine of children.
Nutritionist Gisselle Bravo talked to Educa Jugando to give some tips regarding its consumption and which is more advisable to celebrate this holiday.
What should we look for when buying chocolates?
The most important thing is to choose chocolates with a high percentage of cocoa, with a minimum of 75%, such as dark chocolate, since it is lower in calories, sugars and fats.
It is advisable to prefer small, hollow chocolates to a solid egg, as the latter can have up to twice as many calories.
Finally, read the ingredients and nutritional labeling of the product. It should include cocoa mass or cocoa butter, sugar, milk or nuts. If hydrogenated oils or shortenings from origins other than cocoa are indicated in the ingredients, the quality will already be lower.
Remember that the ingredients are ordered in descending order, i.e., what appears first is what contains the greatest quantity, so sugar should be the second or third ingredient. Cocoa should be among the first.
How much should we give them?
It is complex to give an exact amount, since it depends on several factors such as: sex, energy requirement, nutritional status, if you have any pathology such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome or food intolerance. The most important thing is not to abuse its consumption, and as a general range not to exceed 5 units of small eggs.
In addition, the nutritionist proposes some alternatives to enjoy a healthier and richer Easter:
- Paint eggshells. We can cook hard boiled eggs and then paint them with the children.
- Fruits or nuts dipped in dark chocolate. They can be grapes, raisins, almonds, or whatever your children like best.
- Eggs with surprises. Buy plastic eggs and fill them with entertaining surprises for children, avoiding sugar consumption.
María José Bastías
Contributing Journalist Educa Jugando