5 ways to have a healthy Easter dinner
I love the Easter holiday I feel thankful for the ability to spend time with family and enjoy a wonderful meal. I’ve been on a fitness journey for the past few months so I’m always looking for ways to eat clean but not deprive myself either. With research, education, and Google in my hands I know that information is attainable.
A standard holiday Easter meal in my home has a protein, (ham) starch, (potatoes) carbohydrate, (bread) and vegetables (vitamins and minerals). It’s easy enough to switch it up and substitute or eliminate a food group.
- Ham can be replaced with fish or quinoa which is a complete protein and very good for you. It can take a little more preparation to cook with it’s hard outer shell so rinsing it first and cooking it into a enough water to keep it moist is the way to a fluffier, yummy, and appetizing protein substitute.
2. Rice can be substituted for potatoes as well. Wild rice, brown or basmati variety can be mixed with vegetables. Cooking times vary for each one so follow the directions carefully. Please make sure to rinse the brown rice before cooking.
3. Sweet potatoes or yams can be used instead of mashed potatoes. The beta carotene provided is an added bonus.
4. Kale and spinach are a wonderful source of iron and it can be added to your salad or steamed on its own. Kale chips are always a good appetizer to have for the family while they’re smelling the delicious meal you’re preparing.
To cook kale chips:
Wash kale leaves and cut them by removing the rib in the center. Blot dry with a paper towel.
Toss in a bowl with olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, or my personal favorite a generous shake of the Jamaican spice Slap your Mama.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit in a slotted pan or baking sheet for 20 minutes until crispy.
It’s always important to have a salad either as your starter or with your meal this Pear, Almond, Spinach Salad (also known as P.A.S.S.) is a big hit with my family
This is found in the book The Ultimate Cookbook for Hockey Families by the authors Erin Philips and Korey Kealey. This has been shared by the Spezza family. You can find out more information and free templates for the hockey family at The Ultimate Cookbook for Hockey Families website.
Pear, Apple, Sweet, Salad (P.A.S.S)
3 cups of baby spinach leaves
1 pear, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp. of chopped or sliced blanched almonds
Dressing
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
1 Tsp of raw honey or pure maple syrup
1/2 Tsp of grainy Dijon mustard (optional) and salt and pepper to taste.
Directions:
Following the order listed layer salad ingredients in a large serving bowl.
In a small bowl whisk together lemon juice, oil, honey, and mustard.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle over salad, toss, and serve immediately.
How to cook quinoa (pronounced KEEN-WA): adapted from the recipe from the Ultimate Cookbook for Hockey Families
As I mentioned before quinoa has a hard outer coating so it needs to rinsed in a mesh sieve under cold water for 1 minute.
In a medium pot combine 1 cup of quinoa to 1 1/2 cups of water or vegetable or chicken stock and cover. Boil water on high then simmer for 12 minutes.
Remove from heat and keep covered for 5 minutes then fluff with a fork.
You’ll know it’s done when the shell separates from the seed and it looks like a circle.
Whatever you plan on eating for your Easter dinner the most important thing to have at your table is love.
Happy Easter from my house to yours!