By Catherine Pearson

From the traditional holiday ham to baskets overflowing with candy, Easter can quickly turn into a bad day for people, health-wise. But by ditching a few not-so-great-for-you-treats in favor of healthier alternatives, you can enjoy the holiday and keep your healthy eating efforts on track, too.

Choose Dark Chocolate
Several studies have touted the health benefits of dark chocolate, from its ability to lower blood pressure to the fact that its packed with key antioxidants. Not all chocolates are created equal, though, so ook for a less processed variety, which should have plenty of vascular-health-promoting flavanols.

Fill Baskets With Healthy Alternatives
If you're playing Easter bunny this year, pass on packing your kids' baskets full of sugary treats and opt, instead, for healthier options. Try filling bright eggs with trail mix or granola. Or swap out snacks altogether, opting instead for toys, coloring books or other small treats.

Keep The Asparagus Light
Fresh spring asparagus is a staple of many an Easter meal, but it can quickly go from a light and nutritious side dish to a calorie-laden affair, thanks to many of the sauces people opt for. (We're looking at you, béarnaise.) Try something like a light tarragon sauce, which is creamy but not quite as dense, calories-wise.

Get Active
Plan an Easter egg hunt for you, your friends and your family that takes you all running around the yard, or maybe walk to church together, rather than piling into the car. The point is to get out and spend a few minutes clocking some exercise while still enjoying the day.

When All Else Fails, Remember Moderation
The thing is, if you stick to just a few pieces of candy, it's hardly the end of the world. So let yourself indulge in one or two and then pass that basket on!