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Easter might be just around the corner but that’s no excuse to put off your new healthy-eating regime, according to a Killarney healthy eating expert.

Sorcha, who runs a Slimming World group in Killarney, says celebrating Easter and even enjoying the occasional chocolate fix doesn’t have to mean waving goodbye to achieving your weight-loss goals.

“A lot of people might think that there’s little point in starting a new healthy eating regime right before Easter,” she said. “With that way of thinking, though, there will always be some reason or other to put it off! The beauty of Slimming World lies in the fact that it’s a lifestyle change rather than a diet, so there’s nothing to stop you losing weight at any time of the year.”

Starting those weight-loss resolutions before Easter is certainly advisable given that ROI adults are eating up to three times more than the recommended intake of sugar. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) concludes that sugar should account for no more than 5% of total energy intake, however on average people are getting 12-15% of their energy from sugar, increasing the risk of weight gain and other health problems.

“The key to long term weight loss is balance, so allowing yourself a little tempting treat is really important because it keeps that balance in check,” Sorcha continued. “And, of course, filling up on lots of tasty, healthy and filling food will make it easier to enjoy that treat – whatever it may be – without over-indulging. With Slimming World, no food is off limits, which means you can still celebrate Easter with hearty lamb roast dinners, delicious fish dishes and, of course, a little chocolate!”

Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan allows slimmers to satisfy their appetite on filling foods that are low in energy density like pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit and vegetables, lean meat, poultry, fish and more – meaning they need never go hungry and are free to enjoy a treat every now and then without feeling guilty.

In fact, many members have already achieved a cracking weight loss, all while eating delicious meals of chips, bolognaise, curries and their favourite treats.

Sorcha, who has lost four and a half stone herself so far, said: “I never thought I’d be able to lose all this weight while still enjoying my favourite foods every day. Before I joined Slimming World I thought I’d have to say goodbye to all of them! With a few simple swaps and a little bit of forward planning, though, it’s easy to enjoy loads of different meals and never feel like you’re missing out.

“Even when family celebrations like Easter come around it’s no big deal because Slimming World fits in with the whole family and we can all eat the same foods."

If you would like to join, groups are Tuesdays in The Brehon Hotel at 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm or 7.30pm, or Thursdays in the Plaza Hotel at 9.30am or 11.30am. Contact Sorcha on 086 8423317 for more information.