Those looking to lose weight think they need to avoid chocolate temptations this Easter, but the slimmer in Slimming World groups know there’s no need to turn down the Easter Bunny.
In fact, Slimming World consultant Pauline Bliss, who hosts the groups at St Kieran’s Community Centre, Athlone, says members are encouraged to enjoy a bit of what they like as part of the club’s healthy eating plan.
“We know that Easter can seem like a particularly difficult time for dieters trying to lose weight in time for summer, with Easter eggs lining supermarket shelves, adverts for chocolate treats dominating TV screens and the smell of fresh baked hot scones and the cakes seem to fill every room,” Pauline said.
“So often people think that losing weight means starving yourself and giving up all your favorite foods, but the truth is that it’s possible to still enjoy your favorite Easter treats as part of a healthy balanced diet and start that summer to look and feel great,” commented Sinead Morris, who is hosting the group at The Shamrock Lodge.
“Slimming World’s renowned food optimization healthy eating plan allows slimmers to satisfy their appetite with filling, low-energy foods such as pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit and vegetables, lean meat, poultry and fish. At Slimming World, these foods are called ‘Free Foods’ because members can enjoy them freely to satisfy their appetite without having to weigh, count or measure,” said Carol Doran Joyce, who hosts the groups at Kiltoom Parish Hall.
It’s an exciting time to join Slimming World as they have a tempting Easter prize. Every member who joins a group by April 15th will receive a FREE copy of the Say Yes to Success Recipe Book, a 28-day plan for delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners to lose weight.
A self-confessed chocoholic, Kerry Brown recently lost four and a half stone at her local Slimming World group.
“I thought my love of chocolate meant I was destined to be overweight forever, but since joining Slimming World I can’t believe how much my life has changed. I’ve lost 4.5 stone and just hit my target weight a few weeks ago and I feel amazing. I have a lot more confidence and yes, I still enjoy chocolate regularly,” Carrie enthuses.
To find details of your local Slimming World group, log on to www.slimmingworld.ie
Easter recipe
Chocolate, chili and coffee mousse
The sophisticated flavors of chocolate, chili pepper and coffee with a hint of cognac or brandy make it a dessert to die for!
Portions – 6
Preparation time – 20 minutes plus cooling/freezing
Cooking time – none
125 g of dark chocolate
4 medium eggs, divided*
4 levels of sweetener
½ teaspoon dried red chilies
2 tsp instant coffee granules dissolved in 1 tbsp water
2 tablespoons of cognac or brandy
Defatted natural frieze for serving
1 tsp cocoa powder
Orange peel for garnish
*Pregnant women, the elderly and infants are advised not to eat raw or partially cooked eggs.
Method
Break the chocolate into small pieces, place in a large heatproof bowl and melt over a pan of gently simmering water.
Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly to room temperature.
Beat the egg whites in a large bowl until stiff but not too dry.
Whisk the egg yolks, sweetener, chilli flakes, instant coffee mixture and cognac or brandy in a separate bowl and spoon into the melted chocolate, stirring well.
Gently fold in the egg whites with a metal spoon until well combined.
Spoon this mixture into six teacups or dessert plates and place in the freezer for 2-3 hours or until set.
To serve, top each serving with a spoonful of fromage frais, dust lightly with cocoa powder and garnish with orange zest.