WE'VE all been there. You promise yourself that you'll only have one cream egg. Next thing you know, you've raided the kids' chocolate stash and you're awash with guilt and coco-covered paws.
While the occasional overindulgence over Easter won't do much damage, a regular habit of mindless scoffing with no exercise will wreak havoc with your weight and health.
And let's face it - chocolate is the most coveted of all treats, with more than 50% of people regularly craving some.
Why? Well, the reasons range from its caffeine content to its ability to stimulate pleasure centres in the brain. Plus, there's that element of getting a fast energy fix.
So, how do you beat the 'brown drug' long after the Easter bunny has jumped back into its commercial hole? Here are some tips:
1Keep a food diary. This will help you monitor your chocolate cravings and why they strike. Knowledge is power when kicking the habit.
2Have a little bit of what you fancy and really savour it. Instead of gobbling up a whole box of chocolates in front of the telly, have a few chocolate dipped strawberries or a small pot of low-fat chocolate mousse.
3Live longer and switch to dark chocolate. Research suggests that eating 100g of high quality dark chocolate can bring down blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 21pc. Of course, consuming fruit has the same effect.
4Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Like chocolate, working out also releases beta-endorphins, leaving you feeling happy and energised. But the extra advantages are that you lose weight and live longer. If you're pushed for time, split your exercise regime up into three 10-minute slots - it's just as effective.
5 Don't wait for the munchies to strike - see a friend, watch a film or find a hobby. If you're suffering a social dry spell, log on to www.liverpoolactivecity.co.uk and join an organised activity that will help you have fun, get fit and make friends.
