St. Patrick's Day is a festive opportunity to make healthy eating fun for kids.Photo: Getty Images
How to Make St. Patrick’s Day Fun and Healthy
St. Patrick's Day is a festive opportunity to make healthy eating fun for kids. Capitalize on this holiday's themes and create positive St. Patty’s Day food memories by serving up a nutritious spread.
Serve Up the Green
Use the green theme of St. Patrick's Day to get kids interested in eating green produce, which is packed with all kinds of nutrients. Try these delicious options:
- Leprechaun Dip
Make an edamame dip that is not only green, but also contains protein, vitamins, and minerals. Puree steamed and shelled edamame with olive oil, lime juice and cilantro. Serve with crisp green vegetables, such as cucumber slices, green bell pepper or snap peas.
- Shamrocks
Cut green bell peppers crosswise near the pointed end to make Shamrock-shaped slices. You can make it even more fun and tasty with "Shamrock Mini Pizzas" by spreading pizza sauce and cheese over split English muffins. Then place one bell pepper slice on each mini pizza and bake until the cheese melts.
- Cabbage and corned beef
Make the veggie the focus by giving this classic dish a modern twist. Shred raw cabbage, add grated carrots and toss the mixture with a dash of salt and a tablespoon of sugar. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Drain any water that forms in the dish and toss the cabbage with a bit of vinegar. Sprinkle diced corned beef or bacon bits on top for a fresh, healthy cabbage and corned beef dish.
- Celtic pasta with peas
For a meatless main dish, toss cooked whole-grain pasta with pesto and green peas.
Embrace Ireland’s Favorite Veggie
Potatoes contain healthy vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Experience Ireland’s passion for potatoes mixed with cauliflower on this holiday:
- Potato soup
Make a healthy potato soup by using cauliflower and substituting fat-free evaporated milk for heavy cream. This reduces the fat, while keeping the creaminess of this comforting dish.
- Sprouting potatoes
Cut baby potatoes and Brussels sprouts in half. Toss in olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Broil until lightly brown. Serve on skewers, alternating potato and sprout.
- Mashed potatoes and cauliflower
Whip up creamy mashed potatoes and cauliflower using low-fat milk, Greek yogurt, or light sour cream and add some chives. Serve as a side dish or use as a topping for a traditional Shepherd's Pie prepared with lean ground beef or turkey.
Serve a “Pot 'o Gold” for Dessert
- Pot 'o Gold
Make up fruit skewers with green grapes and kiwi slices. Place a pineapple chunk at each end to serve as the "pot 'o gold."
- Apple pie smoothie
Blend a little bit of baby spinach, Greek yogurt and green apples. Mix in apple pie spice. Serve in 4-ounce portions.
- Honeydew sorbet
Make a green sorbet using honeydew melon.
These strategies are my favorite easy ways to reduce your sugar intake while enjoying St. Patrick’s Day. If you or someone you know needs additional help battling sugar addiction and belly fat, text Nobelly to 22828 to benefit from my free workshop.
Dr. Fitness “Max”
904.236.5858
Dr. Fitness | Max Sturdivant
Jacksonville Association Of Exercise and Nutrition Professionals (JAENP)
904-307-6084