PANCAKES – GET SET FOR SPRING!

Tired of not sticking to those New Year’s resolutions? Well, spring is in the air and Pancake Day, the beginning of Lent, is just around the corner – a perfect opportunity to start trying all over again…

Shrove Tuesday’s association with pancakes comes from the need to get rid of rich foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent. So, following the annual pancake feast, it is time to shed those heavy jumpers and cosy wintery foods for lighter, healthier options.

The average stack of pancakes can provide up to 500 calories, half your recommended sodium intake, and one fourth of your daily sugar content, all of this even before adding those high calorie toppings.

Why not start your 40 healthy days a little sooner and make your pancakes a bit healthier with one of our ESPH tried and tested recipes (available on our ESPH Facebook page)? Use whole wheat flour, less sugar or sugar blended with stevia, a natural sugar substitute with fewer calories, for a reduced calorie treat. Alternatively, try cutting some calorie corners by adding healthier toppings like fresh fruit or non-fat Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and syrup.

Or, if you want to enjoy your pancake day as it was meant to be enjoyed, then just look forward to the next 40 days and give up one high calorie food for lent. A sustained period of abstaining – like lent – can add up to a good few pounds of weight loss, which  will certainly help you slip into your Spring clothes a little bit easier! Why not omit alcohol, chocolate or puddings? Alternatively, try adding healthy foods to your diet such as oily fish, porridge or fresh fruit.

Keep us posted via Facebook and Twitter on your post pancake day progress. Let us know what you’ve given up, how you are doing and what benefits have been felt.

If you would like a personal diet or nutrition consultation please email s.burry@esph.co.uk