Sensible Eating on Easter (Daily Dish)
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| Sat, 03-22-2008 - 9:28am |
Although the religious celebration of Easter doesn't historically involve a feast, people often gather over a big meal to honor this holiday. While the South Beach Diet is a weight-healthy lifestyle that embraces special occasions, we also encourage you to stick to the principles as much as possible — focusing on nutrient-dense, fiber-rich foods, like fruits and vegetables; healthy fats, like extra-virgin olive oil and omega-3s found in fatty fish; and lean protein sources, including chicken, fish, and lean cuts of beef. Here are some tips to help you stay on track while honoring Easter:
- Avoid the honey-baked ham. If you're the host, glaze your ham with a sugar-free preserve.
- Cook with healthy oils, like extra-virgin olive oil and canola oil, instead of butter, which is high in saturated fat.
- Skip the roasted potatoes and the white rolls. Opt for whole-grain rolls instead. And consider side-dish recipes featuring quinoa, bulgur, or barley.
- Load up on spring vegetables, like asparagus and snap peas, as well as fresh salad.
- Enjoy a side of fruit salad (Phases 2 and 3).
- Indulge in a small amount of dark chocolate (Phases 2 and 3) — which has heart-healthy antioxidants — over other sweets.
It's worth repeating that the South Beach Diet is a lifestyle that allows for occasional indulgences, such as a holiday meal. That said, it's important to return to your healthy eating habits right away. To help you get back on track, pack up unhealthy foods, like candy and other sugary desserts, and send them home with friends and relatives. Looking for a healthy and delicious Easter menu? Dr. Agatston developed The South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook to help you celebrate festive occasions without abandoning your healthy eating habits. Parties & Holidays has recipes for a scrumptious four-course Easter meal, as well as recipes for other holidays and special celebrations throughout the year. Pick up your copy today!


