How to Successfully Make Healthier Choices at Easter: Tips and Delicious Recipes
With a busy schedule and routine, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy balanced lifestyle, especially during the holiday season like Easter.
With so many delicious treats and festive gatherings, it can be tempting to indulge and let your health and wellness goals slip.
However, it is important to remember that maintaining a healthy balanced lifestyle is a lifelong commitment that requires planning, dedication, and consistency.
In this blog post, I have listed some healthier choices at Easter with my helpful tips, strategies, and recipes to help keep you on track with your health and wellness goals during the Easter period.
By following these healthier choices at Easter and using the recipes to create a delicious family feast, you can enjoy the Easter season while still prioritising your well-being.
Healthier Choices at Easter
Here are some tips on healthier choices at Easter time to help you stay on track with your health and wellness goals during the Easter holiday season:
Plan ahead
Before Easter arrives, take some time to plan out your meals and snacks to ensure you are making healthier choices at Easter time and not going to ruin all your hard work.
Look for healthier alternatives and recipes that incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
An idea is to bring your own healthy dishes to Easter gatherings so that you have at least one nutritious dish to eat.
Choose Wisely
When faced with a table full of Easter treats, it can be easily tempting to indulge in all of the sugary and carb-loaded options.
Instead, try to choose a few healthier choices at Easter to enjoy, such as fruit and vegetable options, filling your plate with salads, or a small piece of dark chocolate.
For me, it’s all about balance, so if you do decide to indulge in a less healthy option, remember to practice moderation and limit your portion sizes and ensure at your next meal you are back on track.
Stay Active
Easter can be a busy time with numerous catch-ups, social events, and family gatherings. Don’t let that be an excuse to skip your workouts.
Try to schedule in some time each day for physical activity, whether that’s going for a walk, hitting the gym, or doing some yoga at home.
You can also plan with the family to get outside and stay active together whilst enjoying quality time together.
Get Enough Sleep
With the public holidays in a row and no work for a few days, it can be tempting to stay up late whilst socialising during the Easter long weekend, but getting enough sleep is essential for your health and wellness.
Always aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night (as per The Centers for Disease Control and prevention website) to help you feel rested and energised while letting your body reset.
Practice Mindfulness
The holiday season can be a crazy busy and stressful time, so taking some time each day to practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help deal with this.
Practicing mindfulness can include meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a few minutes to relax and clear your mind.
How to Make Alternate Healthier Choices at Easter
Easter is a time of year when many of us indulge in sugary treats and sometimes overeat at mealtime due to all the gatherings with family and friends.
However, if you’re trying to maintain a healthy balanced lifestyle, it can be challenging to resist all the tempting options.
The good news is that there are plenty of alternative and healthier choices at Easter you can make to stay on track with your health and wellness goals.
Here are some tips to help you make healthier choices this Easter:
Choose Lean Proteins
Instead of opting for proteins higher in fat, choose lean proteins like chicken, fish, or tofu.
These options are lower in calories and saturated fat, making them a healthier choice for any meal no matter what time of year.
You can read the Importance of Protein for weight loss here.
Incorporate Fruits and Veg
Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
Try to incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into your Easter meal.
This can include roasted vegetables to compliment your main meal, garden salad or soup for your starter, or fresh fruit platters including chocolate-dipped strawberries to keep with the Easter theme for dessert.
Choose Whole Grains
Instead of opting for white bread, choose whole grain options like whole meal, whole wheat, or multigrain bread.
These options are higher in fibre, which can help you feel fuller for longer and promote better digestion.
Limit Sugary Treats
Everyone knows that Easter is often associated with sugary treats such as chocolate eggs and bunnies. While indulging in moderation and keeping balanced is key, try to limit your consumption of sugary treats and try to make healthier choices at Easter.
You can also look for alternative options like dark chocolate, and No-Added chocolate varieties to still enjoy your Easter celebrations.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being.
Ensure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re indulging in sugary or alcoholic beverages.
By making alternative choices at Easter, you can still enjoy the Easter period without sacrificing your health and wellness goals.
Remember, it’s all about balance and moderation. By incorporating lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and staying hydrated, you can enjoy a healthy and satisfying Easter break.
Healthier Choices at Easter – Family Menu
Easter is known for indulging in sweet treats and hearty meals, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your healthy eating habits.
You can still enjoy a delicious meal with your family without feeling guilty about the extra calories.
I have put together a healthier Easter menu that includes a starter, main course, side dish, and desserts. The menu is not only delicious but healthier to align with your health and wellness goals and also easy to make, making it perfect for busy families.
You can view my collection of Healthy Recipes here.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to make a spring pea and asparagus soup, lemon and herb roasted chicken, and honey-glazed carrots. Oh and dessert too!
Healthier Choices at Easter with a Starter
Soup
Spring Pea and Asparagus Soup
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
450 grams of asparagus, trimmed and chopped
2 cups fresh or frozen peas
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional)
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the onion and garlic and sauté for about 4 minutes until soft.
Add the asparagus and peas to the pot and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Remove the pot from the heat and blend with a stick blender to puree the soup until smooth.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
Healthier Choices at Easter with a Main Menu Option
Lemon and Herb Roasted Chicken
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken
2 lemons, sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
Rub the olive oil all over the chicken, and season with the herbs, salt, and pepper.
Add the lemon slices inside the cavity of the chicken.
Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until cooked through and juices run clear.
Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Healthier Choices at Easter with a Side Dish
Honey-Glazed Carrots
Ingredients:
1kg carrots, peeled and cut into halves
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Place the carrots in a large baking dish and toss with the butter, honey, salt, and pepper.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, ensuring carrots are tender and golden brown.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Healthier Choices at Easter with a Salad Option
Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
6 cups mixed salad greens
1 cup sliced strawberries
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, and chopped fresh herbs.
In another bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette dressing.
When ready to serve, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Healthier Choices at Easter with Dessert
These desserts are delicious, satisfying, and lower in sugar than traditional Easter treats. By using natural sweeteners and fresh ingredients, you can enjoy a healthier dessert without sacrificing flavour.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Ingredients:
1 punnet fresh strawberries
120 grams dark chocolate or a sugar-free alternative
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions:
Wash and pat dry the strawberries.
Line a baking sheet with baking paper.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and coconut oil in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until melted.
Dip the strawberries into the chocolate mixture, one at a time, and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
Place strawberries in fridge to set before serving.
Optional, you can sprinkle on nuts or coconut after dipping in chocolate for an extra wow factor.
Carrot Cake Bites
Ingredients:
1 cup finely grated carrots
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
Tip: for a protein hit, you can add 1/4 cup of protein mix to the mixture.
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients until well combined.
Form mixture into small balls, about 2 tablespoons full.
Place the carrot cake bites onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tip: Drizzle over a healthy version of cream cheese icing.
With these healthier choices at Easter and using healthier recipes, like the ones above, you can enjoy all that Easter has to offer while still staying on track with your health and wellness goals.
Remember, it’s important to listen to your body, practice moderation, and prioritise your well-being.
Healthier Choices at Easter – Healthier Gifting Ideas
Looking for a Healthier Easter Gifting Idea? Check out Goodness Me Subscription Boxes for a Healthier Alternative!
This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
Easter is a wonderful time of year that should be enjoyed with family and friends.
It is also important to prioritise your health and wellness during this Easter break.
You can make healthier choices at Easter by planning ahead, choosing wisely, staying active, getting enough sleep, and practicing mindfulness, you can stay on track with your health and wellness goals all while still enjoying all the gatherings and social events.
Always remember to make healthier choices at Easter and that maintaining a healthy balanced lifestyle is a journey, not a destination.
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up occasionally. Just get back on track and keep moving forward towards a healthier and happier you and achieving your goals.
Let’s be friends – Join me on my Socials!
Amy xx
This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
