Monday, April 6, 2009

Don't let Easter EAT YOU!


With Easter right around the corner everyone is thinking about what they'll be making, all the goodies they'll be eating and family they'll be visiting, but come Monday, April 13th everyone will be saying...URGH why did I eat like that and how can I get back on the wagon as beach season is closing in ;)

Easter can be a day of fun and YUM without hindering your diet or health, you just have to be prepared ahead of time. Now I'm not saying you have to eat only turkey and veggies -unless you are competing in a show within weeks -you know who you are ;) But you do have to go into the day knowing what you are willing to say no to and what you absolutely can't miss out on (Grandmas apple pie, a Cadbury egg, or those yummy mashed potatoes anyone?) but you do have to pick and choose. If you do this you won't feel like your missing out and you'll also feel GREAT about the choices you made and most likely won't have the guilty feeling come Monday morning at the office.

Below I've prepared an excellent way to start your Easter morning with a healthy breakfast to kick start your metabolism and keep you from munching on all the pre-dinner treats. After a healthy breakfast you'll feel satisfied until you're mid-day Easter meal and won't feel like you have to have huge helpings of everything available.

Some helpful hints when deciding what to eat on Easter day:
Veggies are your friends- Start by loading up your plate with veggies (salad, carrots, green beans, asparagus-whatever may be available that you like) this should fill 3/4 of your plate.
Power packed protein- Choose your protein, either ham or turkey is most popular for the Easter Holiday and if able to choose from the two, choose the Turkey- It's less fatty and lower in sodium, not to mention loaded with protein that will satisfy your hunger!
Just pick 1 or NONE- Most people will have mashed potatoes, rice and rolls at the table. You don't need all three ;) so choose your favorite. Now if you decide you'd like a piece of dessert instead, skip out on the starchy carbs all together at the dinner table and save those cals for what you really want at dessert time. You'll most likely be filled up enough with the protein and veggies you chose anyway.
Slow the pace- by eating slowly and enjoying the dinner time with family and friends you're more likely to eat less.
I hope you enjoy my recipe and tips. Pass it on :)

Janelle's Crustless Quiche

Ingredients
1 cup spinach (not cooked)
2 1/2 Cups liquid egg whites
1/4 Cup chopped onion (I prefer red onion)
1/4 Cup chopped green bell pepper
1 Tsp garlic salt
1 Tsp ground black pepper
1 Tsp Thyme
2 Tsp fresh basil (or 1 Tsp dried if fresh unavailable)
2 of Trader Joe's sun dried tomato chicken sausages, chopped *OPTIONAL

Mix all together in a bowl then pour into a round non-stick baking dish (3" deep x 9" diameter) and bake on 350 degrees for 30 minutes.