The Good, The Bad, and The Healthy

When we think of Easter, we can’t help but think of decorating hard-boiled eggs and the fun of hiding and then finding them (the good). . .   Then we remember there are the Easter baskets brimming over with chocolate bunnies and eggs, jelly beans, and marshmallow chicks (the bad) . . . what we need is a plan so that we can enjoy our treats in moderation and keep our teeth from tooth decay (the healthy!). 

Let’s start with the good.  Did you know the egg is such an excellent source of protein that all other foods are compared and rated against the egg?  Did you know that the egg additionally contains all the essential amino acids needed by the human body and has the highest bioavailability?  Eggs provide our bodies with Vitamin A, all the B vitamins, and useful amounts of Vitamins D, K, and E, as well as most minerals needed for health:  iodine, which is required to make thyroid hormones; phosphorus, which is needed for bone health; zinc, which is needed for growth and fighting infection; selenium, which is an important antioxidant; calcium, needed for bone growth, structure, and nervous function; and iron, which is vital for red blood cells.  Egg yolks also contain choline, an essential nutrient that plays an important role in brain development and memory.

Now, let’s consider the bad.  What do chocolate bunnies, chocolate eggs, jelly beans, and marshmallow chicks have in common?  Yes, they are yummy, but they contain large amounts of SUGAR!  So, let’s review about the consumption of sugar:  remember, it’s the frequency of exposure to sweets that contributes to tooth decay, so don’t allow continual snacking on sugary treats.  Limit the sweet treats to once or twice a day, preferably after a mealtime, when tummies are full.   Another tip:  Chocolates can be frozen and put in the “bank”, and “withdrawn” at a later time.

What else can we do to keep our Easter healthy?  Remember to fully cook the eggs until firm to prevent salmonella from spoiling our holiday.  Also, don’t consume eggs that have been left unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours.  So, now we can first sample an egg or two, fill up on a nutritious Easter meal, and then enjoy an Easter treat or two.  If it’s not possible to brush our teeth immediately after sugar consumption, drink some water.  It helps to clear the sugar off our teeth.  And of course, remember to brush thoroughly and floss at night before bed. 


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