I always look forward to gathering with family and friends on Easter.  It’s a time of renewal and connections after the long winter.  It’s about new possibilities and new beginnings.

When I was young, I loved Easter because it meant lots of candy and a pretty new dress for church. Now being a Buddhist, while it doesn’t have a lot of religious significance for me, I appreciate why this holiday is so important to others. Interestingly, in addition to its religious significance, Easter can also be an occasion to overindulge.

As the Clean Eating Coach, I’m all about maintaining a healthy lifestyle all year round, with a few indulgences of course, but there’s no reason why we Easter dinner can’t be healthy and tasty, without being full of fat.  For me, clean eating is about creating a lifestyle that takes many favorite dishes and gives them a healthy spin. Here are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing for how you can make your Easter dinner healthier and less full of fat and sugar:

• Add more fresh, leafy greens!Greens are the perfect spring elixir after months of heavy, winter food.  Ideas? Do a stir fry using fresh bok choy, sauté kale or collard greens or roast fresh asparagus (yes, I know, it’s not exactly leafy but it is delicious)
• Make two veggies dishes instead of one!  I know how easy it is to fill up on simple carbs but why not try to veggie dishes instead. Something with a little starch, like sweet potatoes, is a wonderful accompaniment to a dish featuring greens and yet, still so healthy.
• Add flavor to your dishes by using orange or lemon zest or fresh herbs. You can ditch high calorie ingredients like butter in this simple way yet add lots of flavor that your guests will love 
• Skip all the sweeteners – glazed ham or sugary sweet potatoes can easily add on unnecessary calories. Think about roasting sweet potatoes and sweetening with fresh orange juice, cinnamon and nutmeg instead. Add if you’re making a ham, why don’t create your own glass from pure maple syrup or locally grown honey instead of what you’ll find in the grocery store 
• Make a healthy dessert.  Instead of lots of sugary choices and too many options, make one dessert with high quality ingredients that features a natural sweetener like pure maple syrup. Or even better, have a fresh fruit salad!

What’s your plan to keep it healthy but flavorful on Easter? Have any favorite recipes that you can make in a healthier way? Do tell!

Filed under: Greens, Healthy Meals, Overindulging, clean eating