Spring time is near and the month of March is an exciting time to get on the right track to healthier eating. As we approach St. Patrick’s Day, a time filled with festivities and celebrations, I wanted to share some tips for enjoying the holiday while still prioritizing your health and well-being. While St. Patrick’s Day often brings to mind green beer and indulgent meals, there are plenty of ways to partake in the fun while making nutritious choices.
My 7 tips in this article reveals some ideas to keep your celebrations both festive and health-conscious. In honor of St. Patrick’s day, I want to reveal some healthy benefits of eating green foods and some healthy habit reminders you can practice all year round. Also, I must mention to everyone, March is also National Nutrition month, when the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reminds everyone to return to the basics of healthy eating.
1. Go Green with Your Meals: Incorporate plenty of green fruits and vegetables into your meals to add color, flavor, and nutritional benefits. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Try adding them to salads, smoothies, or stir-fries for a nutritious boost.
Be Healthy and Feel Lucky: Eat Green Foods
Green foods are an extremely important part of a healthy diet. In fact, they can even make you feel lucky, because they have myriad key benefits. Moreover, it is easy to incorporate greens into any meal or smoothie – lucky and convenient!
For example, my morning smoothie contains spirulina, spinach and avocado.
Here’s my smoothie recipe: https://pattyrd.com/pattys-super-green-detoxing-smoothie/
Most green foods are considered super foods and below are the reasons why:
- Green foods contain a high amount of antioxidants, such as vitamin A, C and E, as well as nutrients iron and zinc, which protect your body.
- Green foods are loaded with special chemicals called phytonutrients, which have a good effect on the body after they are consumed and boost your immune system.
- Green foods are extremely low in calories since they contain a large amount of water. You can eat plenty of green foods, and you don’t have to worry about gaining any weight.
- Green foods are very low carb and are packed with fiber, which helps to keep you full throughout the day.
- Green foods are low in sugar and not processed, which can help regulate your blood sugars throughout the day.
2. Choose Lean Proteins: Opt for lean protein sources such as grilled chicken, fish, tofu, or legumes instead of traditional St. Patrick’s Day fare like corned beef. These options are lower in saturated fat and sodium, making them healthier choices for your heart and overall health.
3. Get Creative with Green Foods: Experiment with incorporating green foods into your recipes to add a festive touch. Consider making a green smoothie with spinach and avocado, adding matcha powder to your morning oatmeal, or whipping up a batch of homemade pesto with fresh basil and spinach.
4. Practice Portion Control: While it’s okay to indulge in your favorite St. Patrick’s Day treats, practice portion control to avoid overeating. Enjoy small servings of your favorite dishes and savor each bite mindfully. Listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues to help prevent overindulgence.
5. Stay Hydrated: Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water. If you choose to indulge in alcoholic beverages, alternate them with water to help prevent dehydration and reduce the risk of hangovers.
6. Plan Ahead for Festivities: If you’re attending St. Patrick’s Day gatherings or events, plan ahead by bringing a nutritious dish to share. This way, you’ll have a healthy option available that you can enjoy guilt-free while still participating in the festivities.
7. Enjoy Physical Activity: Incorporate physical activity into your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations by participating in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or taking a scenic walk. Enjoying some fresh air and exercise can help balance out any indulgences and leave you feeling energized and refreshed.
Remember, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t have to derail your healthy eating goals. By making mindful choices and prioritizing nutritious foods, you can enjoy the holiday while still supporting your health and well-being.
If you have any questions or would like personalized nutrition advice for your specific needs and goals, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you a happy and healthy St. Patrick’s Day!
To your success, all my best and thanks!,
Patty Martin, MPH, RD, LD
