Health Advocate Blog

Healthy Easter Recipe Makeover

Many Americans spend Easter enjoying the day with family, partaking in religious traditions—and enjoying some springtime feasting, too. Why not make your Easter meal a little healthier this year? Try these tips:

Deviled eggs: Turning your dyed Easter eggs into Deviled eggs? Traditional Deviled eggs recipes have lots of mayonnaise, which can be loaded with fat and calories.  Swap out some of the mayo for healthier options like avocado, hummus, or Greek yogurt. Try this lightened-up Avocado Deviled Eggs recipe.

Roasted rack of lamb: Rack of lamb is a special treat that would certainly impress your guests. To lower the fat content, just trim the fat. Try this Roasted Rack of Lamb recipe; it’s 5 stars all the way!

Glazed ham: Ham is naturally a lean meat, but depending on how it’s prepared, it can have an abundance of calories and salt.  If you purchase a cured ham, consider soaking it in cold water for 24 hours in the fridge, changing the water every 3-4 hours to cut down the sodium.  Also, be aware that ham recipes often call for sugary glazes, which can also add a lot of calories to this otherwise lean cut of meat.  Try this delicious Roasted Easter Ham recipe—it only requires five ingredients!

Veggie side dish: Introduce fresh, seasonal produce into your Easter menu.  This Roasted Spring Vegetables with Arugula Pesto recipe is easy to make and can go perfectly with any main entrée.

Sweet treats: Easter wouldn’t be complete without a delectable dessert!  For a healthier choice, try making theseCoconut Cookie Chicks (warning: they’re almost too cute to eat!).

It can be tempting to overindulge in sweets on Easter (and to continue eating leftover chocolates for days after).  To help yourself have a healthier holiday, make healthy recipes at home, ask your guests to take leftover candy and treats home with them, and dip into your Easter basket in moderation. Remember that an occasional treat is okay, but a holiday isn’t an excuse to go overboard.

If you’re a Health Advocate member with access to the Wellness Coaching program, reach out to your Wellness Coach for more ideas on how to celebrate holidays in healthy ways.