This Monday April 10th marks the first night of Passover. This week long holiday is a celebration of freedom in the Jewish faith, with traditions including celebratory meals and symbolic foods and restrictions. This can be a tough time for many of us, trying to navigate the dietary changes, staying on program and also being faced with huge feasts. Many of you will choose one of the days this weekend as your Cheat Day, but as usual the celebrating will probably last for more than just one day. Now is the time to plan out your week, weekend and be ready to get back on track next week. Don’t let things surprise you – you should have your family dinners and holiday celebrations planned so there is no reason for you to be unprepared.
Some of us may be more restricted than others for the holiday, but it’s always possible find healthy and clean alternatives that fit into your Passover plans, such as these suggestions and recipes below.
MAINTAIN:
If you want to have a Cheat Meal on any of the nights of Passover then you must stay clean all day and only go off at night. If you choose this option you will have a Maintenance Week. All other days must be clean and on program. You can only do this if you give up your Cheat Day and replace it with cheat meals for the week.
Remember, when you go off at night it doesn’t mean you have to eat everything in sight. In fact, a great way to enjoy is to take a large spoonful of everything you like. This way you get to taste everything but you won’t over do it. Sometimes a taste is all you need to feel satisfied and not stuffed.
*If you are going away on a trip during the holiday week it might be best to plan to maintain to limit your confusion and stress. Many of us start a vacation with the best intentions but when we get there we can’t stay in control. Eat clean all day then treat yourself to one off meal, dessert OR drinks. If you do this you should give up your one Cheat Day and have only cheat meals throughout the week when you need them. REMEMBER: It’s a meal, dessert or drinks each day. Not all three. Choose what works for you and stick to it. You can still enjoy everything about your trip and be able to come back and get back on track. You can even switch it up each day and choose which option to cheat with (drinks one day, meal the next, etc.).
If you decide you want to keep this Passover Holiday a Weight Loss week then you must stick to only one day cheat day. On the remaining day(s) that you celebrate Passover you can incorporate some of the suggestions below to keep you on track and stay true to your holiday traditions.
Shakshuka is a middle Eastern dish traditionally made with poached eggs in tomato sauce and spices. In this clean version, it features egg whites, onion, spinach and spices. Perfect breakfast option!
Ingredients:
•1 onion
•1 lb bag of spinach (fresh or frozen)
•1/2 tsp paprika
•1/2 tsp cinnamon
•1/2 tsp coriander
•2 tsp cumin
•Salt to taste
•1 tbsp oil
•Egg whites (depends on size of skillet)
1. Dice the onion.
2. Heat skillet and add onions and spices. Cook until onion is soft.
3. Add spinach and allow all to cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Make spaces in the spinach to hold the egg whites so they don’t run all over. Cook on low-medium heat until eggs are cooked thoroughly.
5. Remove skillet from heat and serve. 4 egg white is 1 meal serving.
Root Vegetable Medley
Bring together traditional root vegetables in this new way for an exciting and delicious festive dish.
Ingredients:
•2 red onions, diced
•2 cloves of garlic, chopped
•2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
•1 lb carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces
•1 lb beets, peeled and cut into wedges
•1 lb celeriac, peeled and cubed
•Zest of 1 lemon
•Zest of 1 orange
•2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
•2 tbsp chopped fresh savory
•1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
•Salt and pepper
•1/2 tsp ground coriander
•Cooking spray
1. Heat oven to 375 F and coat large casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, spray with cooking spray then add onions and garlic. Sauté until soft and starting to brown, about 10 minutes.
3. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl then add sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, celeriac, lemon zest, orange zest, thyme, savory and tarragon. Season with salt and pepper and toss. Spoon into casserole dish.
4. Bake for 1 hour, or until vegetables are tender. 1/2 cup serving is one side.
Lemon Mousse
Ingredients:
•One 4-serving size package of Jell-O sugar free vanilla pudding mix
•2 cups skim milk
•1 packet Crystal Light Lemonade powdered drink mix (the size that makes 1 pitcher)
•One 12 oz container of low fat Cool Whip
1. Add pudding mix and milk into a medium bowl and beat until smooth and thick.
2. Beat in lemonade mix until combined.
3. Fold in Cool Whip.
4. Chill before serving. 1/2 cup serving is one dessert/snack.
CAN I HAVE MATZAH?
Yes!
Try 1/2 sheet original Matzah with 1 tbsp peanut butter (or sun nut butter if you cannot have peanuts) with or without 1 piece or 1 cup of fruit as a meal.
Matzah is only once a day and remember never eat just to eat. If you don’t need it, don’t eat it. You don’t want to end the night feeling bloated and sick. Like you over did it and you regret it. Instead, you want to end the holiday feeling amazing and in control. You will enjoy the food, but also what is really important – the company and the celebration.
You can also check out our previous blogs for some more recipes here and here.
Have a Happy Passover and Safe Travels to everyone going away!
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness
8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797
211 E 43rd Street Manhattan, NY 10019
