The yearly feast day honoring St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, has become synonymous with good beer, loud music, greasy food, and all things green. But there is no need to act like a college kid at a frat party just to have a good time on this holiday.
There are healthier ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, while still having fun!
Try these memorable, safe, and healthy ways to enjoy the festivities this year.
1. Make It Yourself
A lot of us have gotten used to cooking at home this past year, and holidays are a great time to test out new recipes. You can make a traditional Irish dinner of corned beef and cabbage by simply tossing the ingredients in a slow cooker for the day. Or try one of these low carb recipes that we enjoy – Irish Skillet Dinner and Creamy Cauliflower Colcannon.
2. Choose a Light Beer
If St. Patrick’s Day just wouldn’t be the same without a cold beer, just choose a low calorie version. Check for carbohydrate count and gluten if those things are important to your lifestyle. Remember though that doesn’t give you the green light to drink more.
3. Make Everything Green
Most of us should probably be eating more green vegetables and here is our opportunity. Simply add spinach and mint extract in a blender with your vanilla protein powder to make a Shamrock Shake. Or try one of these naturally green recipes. . . Creamy {Non Dairy} Spinach Dip, Avocado Pesto Zoodles, Blueberry Spinach Salad, Turkey Zoodle Tetrazzini.
4. Eat the Rainbow
Research is clear that the more colors we eat the more nutrients we get each day. So eating the rainbow – a wide variety of bright yellows, orange, reds, and purple – is healthy any day. Making a rainbow themed St. Patrick’s Day is a fun way to introduce this concept to kids. Make a rainbow out of fruits and vegetables and you might just find your picky eater trying something new.
5. Run a Race
Many cities have a “5K on St. Patrick’s Day” event and many this year are taking place virtually. Join a race and get moving before indulging in your St. Patty’s day favorites. Not up for running? Just a 10 minute walk around the neighborhood can help balance your blood sugar after your feat.
6. Enjoy an Evening at the Park
Meet some friends at an outdoor venue or park instead of the bar. Find some fun games for the kids and get moving yourself. A great “take along” picnic meal would be corned beef topped with sauerkraut and rolled up in cabbage leaf.
Yes, St. Patrick’s Day is often celebrated with excess, but it isn’t a requirement. You will be much happier not the next morning not feeling bloated or hung over and your body will thank you with more energy and mental focus.
As with any holiday, St. Patrick’s Day festivities should be tailored to your specific lifestyle. That might mean forgoing the sausage or making nightshade free mash. Maybe you opt for gluten free beer or make a dairy free dessert. There is always a way to make it work without abandoning your goals.
If you need help making your lifestyle meet your health goals, we have a coach for that!
A health coach can work with you to make your healthy lifestyle a reality 100% personalized to your goals and circumstances. Click the link below to learn more about Health Coaching and see if it might be right for you (be sure to look for the FREE Discovery Visit link on that page as well).
