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 carbsLow 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:
- Opt for whole grain matzo, which has slightly fewer carbs (19g) and more fiber.
- Avoid adding sugar or honey to the Charoset. Instead, use a Kosher sweetener like stevia.
- 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
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:
Main Courses
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!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
Meat & Fish
Veggies
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Gingery Sautéed Watercress and Shiitakes
- Spring Lettuces With Avocado Dressing and Pistachios
