The U.S. is gearing up for one sweet Easter: According to a survey from the National Retail Federation, a large retail trade association, 89 percent of Americans are expected to buy Easter candy this year. Sales of the sweets are estimated to total $2.6 billion—more than was spent on candy for Halloween in 2016 ($2.5 billion) and Valentine’s Day in 2017 ($1.7 billion).
Whether you’re participating in an egg hunt with your kids or dipping into a bowl of Easter candy on a work colleague’s desk, it can be easy to overdo it on the seemingly endless supply of chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, and creme-filled chocolate eggs. “People are about four months into their New Year’s resolutions, so they may be tempted to overindulge on Easter candy,” says Amy Keating, R.D., one of Consumer Reports’ registered dietitians. “The key is not to cut yourself off, but to focus on portion control.”
To maximize your pleasure without derailing your healthy eating habits, Keating says to pick one Easter candy you really like, portion out about 100 calories’ worth—an amount of “fun” food that can fit into any practically any diet—and take the time to really enjoy it. Use this handy visual guide to help you keep tabs on how much you’re eating without falling into a calorie-filled rabbit hole.
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