Roscommon’s slimmers prove you can enjoy chocolate and lose weight this Easter

Most of the thousands of people in Ireland who would like to lose weight think they have to avoid chocolate temptations this Easter. But slimmers in Slimming World groups know there is no need to turn the Easter bunny away.

In fact, Slimming World Consultant Pauline Bliss, who runs the groups in Hannon’s Hotel, says members are encouraged to enjoy a little of what they fancy as part of the club’s healthy eating plan.

“We know Easter can seem like an extremely difficult time for people on strict diets trying to slim down in time for summer, as Easter eggs line the supermarket shelves, adverts for chocolate treats dominate TV screens, and the smell of freshly-baked hot cross buns and cakes seems to fill every room!” says Pauline.

Trish Keegan, who runs the group in Gleeson’s, says, “So often, people think that losing weight means going hungry and giving up all of your favourite foods, but the truth is it’s possible to still enjoy your favourite Easter treats as part of a healthy balanced diet, and start this summer looking and feeling great.

“Members who join our Slimming World group to lose weight soon discover that we’re not about dieting and deprivation, so chocolate needn’t be a guilty pleasure! What we help each other to do is make healthy changes to the way we shop, cook, and eat, and learn to make healthy choices”.

Carol Doran Joyce, who runs the groups in Kiltoom Parish Hall, says, “Slimming World’s famous Food Optimising healthy eating plan allows slimmers to satisfy their appetite on filling low-energy-dense foods like pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit and vegetables, lean meat, poultry and fish. At Slimming World, these foods are called ‘Free Foods’, because members can enjoy them freely to satisfy their appetite without having to weigh, count or measure”.

SLIMMING WORLD’S CHOCOLATE, CHILLI, AND COFFEE MOUSSE POTS

The sophisticated flavours of chocolate, chilli and coffee with a dash of brandy makes this a dessert to die for! This recipe serves six, requires twenty minutes of preparation time (plus chilling/freezing), and no cooking time.

INGREDIENTS

125g dark chocolate

4 medium eggs, separated*

4 level tbsp sweetener

½ tsp dried red chilli flakes

2 tsp instant coffee granules dissolved in 1 tbsp water

2 tbsp brandy

Fat-free natural fromage frais, to serve

1 level tsp cocoa powder, to dust

Orange zest, to decorate

*Pregnant women, the elderly and babies are advised not to eat raw or partially cooked eggs.

• Break the chocolate into small pieces, place in a large heatproof bowl and melt over a pan of gently simmering water. Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly at room temperature.

• Meanwhile, whisk the egg whites in a large bowl until stiff but not too dry.

• Whisk the egg yolks, sweetener, chilli flakes, instant coffee mixture and brandy in a separate bowl and spoon into the melted chocolate, mixing well.

• Lightly fold in the egg whites with a metal spoon until well combined. Spoon this mixture into six tea cups or dessert dishes and place in the freezer for 2-3 hours or until just set.

• To serve, top each serving with a spoonful of fromage frais, lightly dust with cocoa powder and decorate with orange zest.

Aisling Anderson, who runs the group in Ballaghaderreen, says, “Our plan also encourages members to enjoy a little bit of what they fancy, whatever that may be, meaning they don’t have to give up any of their favourite treats – including chocolate – to lose weight”.

Sheila McLoughlin, who runs the groups in Strokestown, says, “This is a very exciting time to join us, we have a gorgeous Easter giveaway. Every member who joins our group between the 26th of March and the 15th of April will pick up a free copy of our ‘Say Yes to Success’ recipe booklet. It’s a 28-day plan of deliciously slimming breakfasts, lunches and dinners”.

Self-confessed ‘chocoholic’ Kerry Browne recently lost four and a half stone in her local Slimming World group. She says, “I used to think my love of chocolate meant I was destined to be overweight forever, but since joining Slimming World, I can’t believe how much my life has changed. “I’ve lost 4.5 stone and just got to my target weight a few weeks ago, and I feel amazing. I’ve got so much more confidence and I still regularly enjoy chocolate too! The Food Optimising healthy eating plan is so generous that I never

Pictured is Kerry Browne, who recently lost 4.5 stone with her local Slimming feel hungry or like I have to miss out on anything. Believe it or not, I’m looking forward to a fab three-course Easter dinner and chocolate on Easter Sunday – absolutely guilt-free!

“To top it off, the support I get from the rest of the group is unbelievable. We’re all great friends now and I really look forward to my group each week. We share tips and ideas and support each other to stick to the healthy changes we’ve committed to. It’s not a diet, it’s a healthy lifestyle”.

To find details of your local Slimming World group, log onto slimmingworld.ie. Every member who joins between the 26th of March and the 15th of April will pick up a free copy of the new ‘Say yes to Success’ recipe booklet.