The focus of many a holiday, is the family meal? We have our generational menu that has been passed down through the ages. Healthy or not, our kids cannot make it without the famous Jell-O salad with the vanilla ice cream, or the starchy carbohydrate array! Easter is no exception! Most of us will be making ham, potatoes, corn, bread or rolls, Jell-o, and maybe a token green salad or green veggie and pie. I am dining with my wonderful friend’s family. That is our meal plan, the traditional Easter meal! My friend asked me to bring a green salad, because in her words, “You guys like green stuff.” Too funny!
Should we just accept this traditional meal or look for some ways to make some changes? Well? My choice is always: “Follow the half plate rule when possible.” How would that look for the Easter meal? How about this menu plan:
· Ham
· Roasted Potatoes drizzled with olive oil, sea salt, pepper
· Chopped salad full of colorful veggies (Easter is colorful)
· Asparagus-cooked how you love it!
· Sliced melons
· Lightened dessert of choice
This would be a great meal, enjoyed by all. It’s similar to our traditional meal, but half of our plate would be full of veggies! Yeah! Usually melons would be our dessert of choice, but because this is a special holiday, we will add in the dessert. I guarantee that you would be satisfied and even feel better than the heavier filling meal.
Let’s think outside of the box with our meals. Changes do not mean doing without, just adding some new tasty, healthier foods! Change tastes better!
