Our expert dietitian Sarah Noone, and student nutritionist Caoimhe Clynch, share their top tips on how to have a happy and healthy Easter.

Get off to an Egg-cellent Start

Eggs are a traditional Easter favourite but why not swap chocolate eggs for poached, scrambled or boiled eggs on Easter morning, to ensure the whole family starts the day with a nutritious and filling breakfast? Get creative and make it fun. Try boiled eggs with bunny shaped toast, bunny shaped eggs using moulds, omelette burgers, egg and soldiers or let the kids choose their favourite shape to put in toast for egg-in-the-hole.

Get in Some Cracking Easter Activities

Why not use the Easter break to get outside and plan some fun activities such as an egg and spoon race, an Easter egg roll with hard boiled eggs down a nearby hill, a visit to a local petting farm, bike rides or family walks –these are all great ways to spend time with loved ones over the Easter break while also getting in some physical activity.

Be Like the Easter bunny- eat your greens

Don’t forget your vegetables. For many families, Easter lunch will involve a traditional roast dinner. This can be a great opportunity for all the family to eat a healthy lunch with lots of vegetables. Why not add some more colour to your plate with rainbow roasted vegetables, roasted sweet potato bites or polka dots and ribbons with peeled carrots and frozen peas.

Say it without chocolate

Irish Heart Foundation research carried out last year, found that more than 50 per cent of Easter eggs kids received were bought by friends and extended family members. With visits from grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends all bearing gifts, this can mean a lot of chocolate eggs will find their ways into our homes this Easter. If you know that your grandchildren, nieces or nephews have already received chocolate Easter eggs, why not say Happy Easter another way. There are lots of fun alternatives to chocolate eggs such as bunny shaped moulds, Easter egg colouring books with egg shaped crayons, fluffy Easter toys or bunny pyjamas. For older children a small Easter basket filled with gifts like Easter themed mugs, stationery, slippers or a new pair of earphones can work great too.