Think Green (and Healthy) on St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day – traditions, food, drinks – it’s the wearing of the green! But many foods associated with St. Patrick’s Day could use a makeover.

Keep it Green

Take advantage of the festivities to encourage your family to eat green vegetables and healthy fats, and make it fun!

• Avocado deviled eggs – replace half of the egg yolks with avocado in your deviled egg mix for an addition of healthy fats with a springy green look.
• Shamrocks – create shamrock pizzas by cutting green bell pepper slices on an English muffin. Cover with pizza sauce and low-fat mozzarella. Bake at 350 degrees until melted.
• Corned beef and cabbage – when preparing this dish, focus on the vegetables and choose a lean cut of diced corned beef or replace the corned beef altogether with lean pork tenderloin.

Appealing Potatoes

Potatoes are a staple in Irish cuisine and contain carbs, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and manganese. Potatoes are a nutritious root vegetable when prepared correctly.

• Baby boiled red potatoes – top these simple treats with olive oil or butter, parsley and salt and pepper.
• Potato soup – substitute a cream-based potato soup with fat-free evaporated milk.

Over the Rainbow

You may not find a pot of gold, but this final recipe is a real treat with a rainbow theme.

• Rainbow fruit salad – stack blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, oranges and strawberries and top with a light whipped topping.

Go with a Green Theme

Set out small bowls and cups with green foods. Healthy ideas: sliced zucchini, green grapes, key lime pie yogurt, snap peas, kiwi slices, pickles, green apple slices, fresh green beans, honeydew melon, pear slices, chopped asparagus, pistachios, broccoli or green pepper spears.

Need nutrition advice?

Registered dietitians at Memorial Wellness Center can help you better understand healthy eating and give you strategies to meet your nutrition goals.