As more people continue to get vaccinated, this spring may bring a different meaning to seasonal holidays. Days are getting longer, brighter, and warmer, and the CDC recently released looser guidelines for those who have been fully vaccinated. 

While spring festivities aren't quite back to full capacity, there is still reason to celebrate. Below, find low carb Passover and Easter recipes you can enjoy with your family, both virtually and IRL. 

Passover 2022

Friday, April 15 - Saturday, April 23

A ceremonial dinner (Seder) of symbolic foods marks the beginning of Passover. The shared Seder plate is a mix of high- and low carb bites.

High Carb ⬆

Matzo (unleavened bread) 23g carbs, per piece

Charoset (fruit, nut & wine paste) 21.5g carbs, per 1/4 cup

Karpas (potato) 30g carbs 

Low Carb ⬇

Maror (horseradish) 1.7g carbs, per 1 tbsp

Chazeret (romaine lettuce) 0.9g carbs, per leaf

Zeroa (lamb shank) 0g carbs, per 1 oz

Seder Plate Tips:

1. Opt for whole grain matzo, which has slightly fewer carbs (19g) and more fiber.
2. Avoid adding sugar or honey to the Charoset. Instead, use a Kosher sweetener like stevia.
3. Sip on a dry red wine (~4g carbs per 8 oz).

For the remaining meals, most folks usually give up "the five species of grains"-- wheat, rye, oats, barley, and spelt. With these high-carb ingredients off limits, plenty of Passover recipes are Kosher and diabetes friendly 😊

Appetizers

• Smoked Salmon Tartare
• Lox Deviled Eggs with Avocado
• No-Matzo Ball Soup

Side Dishes

Transition from starchier, high-carb winter vegetables and take advantage of lighter, spring veggies. Greens, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts are all awesome low carb options.

Avoid kugels and other potato-based dishes. Instead, consider making a frittata or a zucchini-based casserole. Other options could be: 

• Sautéed Kale
• Asparagus Ribbons
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Main Courses

• Two-Ingredient Roast
• Beer Brisket
• Baked Salmon

Desserts

Enjoy these dairy-free and diabetes-friendly desserts. Your friends and family won't believe they are low carb and you won't be left feeling deprived!

• Coconut Macaroons
• Peanut Butter Fudge
• Chocolate Mousse

Easter 2022

Sunday, April 17

Easter means new beginnings, family... and sweet treats 🍫 !

It's hard to stay on track when the grocery isles are lined with Cadbury Eggs, jelly beans, and marshmallow Peeps. But with a little preparation and creativity, you can stay on track and enjoy the holiday season.

Low Carb Kids

A diabetes diagnosis doesn't mean your child has to miss out on Easter. Pack diabetes-friendly Easter baskets with small gifts instead of sugary treats. Stickers, small stuffed animals, bubbles, and chalk are all fun substitutions.

Limit sweets to a few pieces of dark chocolate or sugar-free candy. Keep your child entertained with coloring pages, spring time crafts, and egg dying.

Sweet Moderation: Sugar-free candy may have less impact on blood glucose but be aware that the sugar alcohols (used as sweeteners) can cause digestive distress.

Low Carb Brunch

Spend time with family while munching on these delicious low carb options. Don't forget dessert!

Eggs

• Western Omelette
• Bacon & Egg Zucchini Nests
• Deviled Eggs

Meat & Fish

• Pimiento Cheese Meatballs
• Garlic Rosemary Roast Beef
• Baked Garlic Parmesan Salmon

Veggies

• Stuffed Mushrooms
• Gingery Sautéed Watercress and Shiitakes
• Spring Lettuces With Avocado Dressing and Pistachios

Dessert

• Nut-Free "Keto" Brownies
• No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Hoppy Eating 🐰 !