I’ve mentioned before that I’m not really a Christmas kind of gal. Bah humbug and all that. Indeed, I’ve openly admitted that Easter is BY FAR my fave seasonal holiday and it’s not only because of the chocolate. (Umm… actually it is only because of the chocolate!)

I’ve long confessed to a Red Tulip chocolate fetish and longer term readers of my blog(s) may remember me reminiscing (four years ago – as it happens) about Easters spent at my grandparents (in neighbouring Hervey Bay – where I now live!) and my reaction to a dietician / therapist telling me a few years ago that I was allowed NO chocolate at Easter.

In case you weren’t there at the time… it was far from pretty.

And though I’ve taken a very moderate approach to my weightloss journey over the last 3 months, there are certain things which have been off-limits and chocolate has been one of them. I’ve had the occasional yearning, but quickly realised that the chocolate I craved wouldn’t sate the need I was experiencing.  The idea (and anticipation) of chocolate was far more exciting than the reality.

However, I’m planning to have some chocolate at Easter cos it’s the one time of year my fave Red Tulip chocolate is available to me. HOWEVER… because I’m still prone to binge-eating (and chocolate is a trigger) I’m going to get my mother to buy me a couple of eggs (packet of caramello ones and a bunny!) to consume over the Easter long weekend.

And… well, who are we fooling?! There’s no way they’ll last more than one sitting, but that’s okay. I feel like that will be enough.

It does – however – mean I need to do some planning. Since starting Weight Watchers I’ve been pretty good about knowing what I’m gonna have for my next meal. And as often as possible I track my foods in advance. I’m not however the sort of person who plans her ENTIRE menu a week in advance, but I think Easter may call for it. (Plus my mother may be coming to stay for a night or so, which requires me to plan further ahead than usual!)

Weight Watchers is offering up an Easter meal plan with meal ideas as well as some great snacks and desserts. Two of the mains (in particular) caught my fancy.

Firstly, the Baked fish with coconut rice sounds truly scrumptious*. I’m (obviously) not religious though my dear mother is (and is looking forward to the end of lent so she can again partake in sweet stuff); so it’s likely we’ll have fish on Good Friday. WW has a heap of yummy fish recipes but the ease of this recipe (ie. just baking the fish) and yumminess of the sweet chilli sauce, ginger and lime juice topping for the fish and coconut rice has won me over. (Plus it looks both yummy AND virtuous!)

Depending on my mother’s church-going commitments I’ll probably celebrate Easter Saturday or Sunday with her and the Easter pork loin caught my eye. I LOVE my mother’s roasts though her favourite is lamb. Neither she nor I ever cook roast pork cos of the whole rubbing salt on the crackling complexity, however the pork loin looks ideal for something different. Plus – coated in jam, cinnamon, mustard, ginger and cloves – Oh. My. God.

I figure normal roast veges will be the perfect accompaniment.

I’m still working on the remaining meals but am less worried now that I’ve started the planning.

One of the big things I’ve talked about since starting to try to lose weight (this LAST time) is that I don’t want this to be about dieting and deprivation – which has loomed over much of my adult life. Factoring in some chocolate and having treats and delicious food is something I need to continue doing if I’m going to be in this for the long haul.

Have you started planning your Easter menu? Don’t my choices look fabulous?!

* PS. Did you get the reference? 

Disclaimer: I have been given a free six month online membership to Weight Watchers but my thoughts, opinions and words here are my own. Please check out the program for yourself before making any decisions.

And, as it’s Friday I’m flogging my blog With Some Grace today.