Loyola dietitian offers health tips for Easter

Life-size chocolate bunnies, baskets overflowing with jelly beans and buffets filled with lavish delicacies. Easter gives us hope that consistent warm weather days are just around the corner. But it can also be a time of temptation, with large white bunnies leaving baskets full of candy around the house.

"It can be hard to stay focused on our health during what can easily become a candy-and-food related holiday," says Cristina Harder, a registered and licensed dietitian at the Loyola Center for Fitness.

Harder suggests using the acronym SPRING as a way to keep you on track.

S is for Springtime Activities
Go outside and enjoy the warmer weather. You might consider planting some fresh herbs for use in creating healthy dishes. You also will be getting a dose of Vitamin D the natural way.

P is for Pass on the Candy
Do you find yourself tempted by the abundance of Easter candy at the store or candy dish at work? Opt for a sweet alternative such as a combination of dried fruit and nuts. You will feel energized and satisfied for a longer period of time. If you must have candy, keep it limited to one or two pieces.

R is for Revisit Your Goals
Has it been a while since you've thought about your health goals you made for the New Year? This is a perfect time to reflect or modify them. Consider what needs to changed so you can stay on the right path.

I is for Imagine Yourself Reaching Your Goals
Positive reinforcement can actually make the difference between reaching your goals or maintaining the status quo. Be proud of what you have accomplished and imagine yourself reaching your goal.

N is for No Second Helpings
If you are going to celebrate Easter with a traditional dinner, or going out to a Sunday brunch, enjoy yourself, but establish a limit of one small serving of foods that are higher in calories and fat.

G is for Get Up and Move
This is the perfect time of year to incorporate outside exercise activities. Exercise will allow you to burn some of those extra calories you might not normally consume.