by Nicole Clemmer, Dietetic Student, Milligan College
edited by Elizabeth Hall, MS, RDN, LDN, Food City Registered Dietitian

Warmer weather and blooming flowers mean that Easter is coming soon! Here are ways to have a bright and balanced Easter holiday that is healthier too!

BUILD A BETTER EASTER BASKET
While candy is often a huge part of many holidays, it can result in children eating more added sugar than what is recommended even days after the holiday festivities are over. To avoid stomach aches and sugar crashes, keep candy portions in check. You could even add some healthier alternatives to your baskets this year like 100% fruit juice gummies, whole grain crackers, or clementines. Add some dark chocolate for powerful antioxidants that protect the body’s cells from free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic disease when eaten in moderation. The higher the percentage of cocoa, the more nutritional benefits! Or go the non-food route by adding stickers, games, and stuffed animals.

SPRING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Spring colors like green, yellow, orange, and pink are used for decorations, but they can be incorporated on your plate too with spring fruits and vegetables! Eating different colored fruits and vegetables provide a variety of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Roasted asparagus, stuffed yellow peppers, carrots with hummus, and a strawberry fruit salad are all great options! Get creative with these different colors, and even let your kids get involved in the preparation. When kids have a part in the process of preparing fruits and vegetables, they are more likely to eat them!

TAKE YOUR PARTY OUTSIDE
Spring brings warmer weather, which is great for Easter festivities! Head outside for games and get some Vitamin D, a nutrient that we get from the sun’s rays that is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Throw an Easter egg hunt or have an “egg roll” contest! An “egg roll” is a race that involves rolling an egg down a hill with a spoon. Being active is an important part of a healthy lifestyle so add active games to your holiday traditions and take your festivities outdoors!

With these ideas, your Easter holiday can be thoroughly enjoyed with mindfulness and balance.