With Easter just around the corner, you might be planning to celebrate in various ways. Whether you do breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, use these tips for a healthy and fun celebration!
1. Choose Healthier Basket Fillers
For many, Easter includes a basket full of candy as part of the celebration. But you can lighten your candy calorie load by making some of your own, healthier Easter candy. We have lots of ideas on The Leaf including our Chocolate Peanut Butter Easter Eggs, our Vanilla Cream Easter Eggs, or our Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars. You can also stock up on smart snacks like nuts, dried fruit, granola bars or Nutrisystem snacks.
Of course, you can also swap out candy for other fun basket fillers like small toys, makeup, gift cards, toiletries, and art supplies. Or think about items that will get your family active and outside like jump ropes, sidewalk chalk, water balloons, water bottles, or free weights. There are many creative basket filler ideas that will keep Easter healthier for the whole family.
2. Lighten Your Side Dishes
If you’re anything like us, you might live for the sides. Ham is yummy, but it’s those side dishes that you’re reaching for the most. Fortunately, there are lots of healthy side dishes to serve with your Easter meal.
If it’s breakfast or brunch, try this Vegetable Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust or Cauliflower Breakfast Hash Skillet. If it’s lunch or dinner, try our Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots, our Cheese Sauce Smothered Broccoli, or our Roasted Green Beans and Mushrooms with Honey Balsamic Drizzle. We have loads of ideas on The Leaf for healthier side dishes that are both filling and delicious.
3. Go Easy on the Ham
For many, ham is a must-have on the Easter table. But ham also happens to be heavily processed. Most of the ham sold and served in the United States is cured, which is a preservation process involving the addition of salt, nitrates, and other additives to process the meat. We believe that enjoying favorites in moderation is important in sticking to a healthy diet plan. But you can still choose a smaller piece of ham and then load up on veggies.
We also have a recipe for a Hawaiian Honey Ham and Quinoa Salad that goes light with a slice of ham and will help you fill up with a side of fiber-rich quinoa.
Of course, there’s no rule that says you have to serve ham! You can swap out your ham for a different main course like turkey, chicken, or even lasagna! At the end of the day, a meal around the table with family and friends is usually most special because of the memories made together.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
If you’ve spent any time on our blog before, you know that we love talking about staying hydrated! That’s because there truly are so many benefits. Before a big meal, like an Easter feast, drinking plenty of water will help you to feel full without overeating.
It’s also important to remember that sugary drinks like soda or lemonade can add lots of added calories to your Easter meal. Instead, consider a nice cold pitcher of ice water at the table. You can even toss in some sliced fruit to make it more festive and slightly sweet without tacking unnecessary calories onto your meal.
5. Go for a Walk!
Since it’s springtime, unless it’s raining, it should hopefully be nice enough weather to go for a walk after your Easter meal. Walking can increase your energy, boost your mood, and strengthen the immune system. Anecdotally speaking, people often feel better getting a little bit of movement or exercise in after a big meal.
If you have family or friends over, why not go on a big walk together? Or get out in the yard to have an Easter egg hunt or to play some yard games. Anything you can do besides remaining sedentary can be helpful in staying healthy this holiday!