Spring into Easter and Passover, The Healthy Way

Spring is an exciting time of year! The weather is getting warmer, the flowers are blooming, and Easter and Passover give us the opportunity to spend time with loved ones. On the other end, you might be concerned that the holidays and celebrations with friends and family mean that temptations to eat foods that aren’t so healthy may compromise your efforts.

Don’t sweat it! Just because holidays are here does not mean that you should become stressed. There are many ways to enjoy this time of year without feelings of guilt afterward. The key to staying healthy and avoiding that voice of guilt in your head after the holidays are over is being mindful during your gatherings.

So, we are in the midst of Passover and Easter is coming up on Sunday and you are getting anxious that in the next couple of days your schedule will be thrown off. Try adding in just ten extra minutes to your workout routines each day. If you work out 4 times per week, that is adding an extra 40 minutes of exercise this week!

Don’t have time to hit the gym or get in that walk because you are hosting and need to prepare? That’s fine! Cleaning the house is a great way to burn some extra calories. When you go food shopping, take in all the bags yourself without asking for assistance. At work, take the stairs this week instead of the elevator. Every little but counts and it is important not to have an “all or nothing” attitude.

What do you do on the day of the big holiday meal? Your thinking about not eating all day and waiting until the feast so you can make up for the extra calories you are going to consume. DON’T DO IT! This is a huge misconception! Starving yourself all day will only make you eat more when you finally sit down at that table. You will be hungry, eat fast, and consume more than you normally would. Make healthy choices throughout the day and you will be less likely to over indulge. Use a smaller plate if one is available to ensure that you will not overeat, and fill your plate with the healthier choices on the table.

Are you hosting the big day? If so, you are in charge of what is going into your creations. Try cooking some healthy dishes along with the not so healthy entrees and side dishes. Use spices and herbs instead of adding salt to meats and vegetables. If you do choose to use sauces and condiments, choose low sodium and reduced fat options. These small changes can make a huge difference.

During this time of year you also probably notice that you are cooking with a lot of eggs. Instead of using whole eggs, use egg whites to cut fat and cholesterol.

Most importantly, remember to relax! You are not going to gain 10 pounds over Passover or on Easter Day. Do not deprive yourself for this is a time to celebrate and enjoy. Just remember to be mindful and listen to your body. If you go overboard on a favorite dish, forgive yourself and start fresh tomorrow. Let it go!

I hope I have eased some of your stress if you are concerned about this time of year. Relax, celebrate, enjoy… and be mindful!

And for those of you who are celebrating Passover, there’s still time to get my cookbook Passover the Healthy Way: Light, Tasty and Easy Recipes Your Whole Family Will Enjoy, available on Amazon or here. You can use these recipes all year round, and those who celebrate Easter can enjoy it too!

Your turn to take action: What are some of the mindful eating techniques you incorporating into your life?