Happy March! One of the highlights this month is Saint Patrick’s Day, a holiday known for celebrating Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking, and a whole lot of green. While many people want to indulge in the holiday festivities, most want to do so without the unnecessary calories. Here are three fun ways you can engage in Saint Patrick’s Day in a healthy way for the mind and body!
1. Serve up the Green: Capitalize on this holiday's green theme and create positive St.
Patty’s Day food memories by serving up a nutritious, green spread. The green
theme makes it easy to create healthy dishes since most of the best veggies are
green! For an appetizer, try out this leprechaun dip.
Directions: Make an edamame dip that is not only green, but also contains
protein, vitamins, and minerals. Puree steamed edamame with a dash of olive
oil, lime juice and cilantro. Serve with crisp green vegetables, such as
cucumber slices, green bell pepper, or snap peas.
2. Calorie-Friendly Mocktail: Even though alcohol is not recommended while on the Medi-Weightloss® program, that does not mean you can’t lift a celebratory glass with your loved ones; just lift one without the spirits. This festive green Mojito Mocktail will give you a
refreshing citrus burst and leave you feeling as light as a leprechaun.
Ingredients:
11 mint leaves, plus more for garnish
1 lime, sliced
1.5 cups diet sprite or club soda with a splash of simple syrup
1 cup crushed ice
Directions:
Muddle ¾ of the lime sections, mint leaves, and soda in a glass. Add ice and shake. Garnish with mint leaves and remaining lime section. Serves 2.
3. Dessert Time: Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to skip out on the best part of the meal…dessert! Try out this lucky-green ice cream recipe to curb that sweet tooth craving.
Directions: Place frozen bananas into a blender for a creamier finish and
blend until an ice-cream consistency forms. Add in spinach leaves and mint extract to taste. Blend again until smooth. Garnish with mini chocolate chips.
Enjoy this Saint Patrick’s Day guilt-free by trying these three simple recipes at your holiday party! Keep in mind, the more greens the better. At least you know no one will be pinching you if you’re the one serving them! For more inspiration on healthy-themed recipes check out: https://mediweightloss.com/resources/articles/StPaddysMeals/