Easter is traditionally a time for eating delicious food, and, if we’re lucky enough, to be enjoying some down time with family and friends.

Food is a great way of bringing people together, as well as being essential for health too.  So how do we get the best of both worlds?

Clinical Nutritionist, Suzie Sawyer, shares here three favourite nutritious and tasty meals this Easter.

 

 

Garlicky Lamb

For the meat eaters, spring Lamb is probably one of the top foods we can eat for Easter.  Lamb is naturally tasty and tender – it just needs the right accompaniments.

Whilst lamb is slightly higher in fat than other meats (which also contributes to its flavour), it provides a great source of protein, essential for the immune system, muscles and bones, hormone production and much more.

Garlic is a natural partner for lamb and also provides some amazing health benefits, especially for the all-important gut microbiome.  Having a healthy gut is the key to a healthy mind and body.  Make sure the garlic cloves are pushed into the lamb, so the flavours really infuse well.

Additionally, roast the lamb with some lemons and rosemary, both loaded with antioxidants and will enhance the flavour.  Why not serve the lamb with some mashed potatoes and spring greens, both high in vitamin C and fibre. There’s certainly no need for any guilt with this recipe!

Parsnip and Celeriac Gratin

If you’re wanting a vegetarian Easter treat, then a gratin is certainly going to hit the spot.  It’s sufficiently indulgent to feel special but also healthy too, containing two ‘super’ veggies. 

Whilst parsnips tend to be around during the winter months, there’s still plenty to be had at this time of year, and their vitamin C content is going to keep the immune system in good shape into spring.  Additionally, celeriac is full of potassium which is great for heart health and helping to reduce blood pressure.

This dish is also really easy to prepare simply by boiling up both vegetables (the parsnips will need slightly longer cooking).  When tender, then mash with some cream, salt and pepper and all-important nutmeg.  Not only does nutmeg really add some sparkle to a dish when used in this way but, just like any spices, it has many health benefits namely for the immunity, liver detoxification and cognitive function. The parsnips and celeriac can then be put into a dish and covered with homemade breadcrumbs, sprinkled with Parmesan, and roasted in the oven.  Delicious and healthy!

Chocolate Brownies Bites

Easter wouldn’t really be Easter without eating some form of chocolate!  However, for those watching their waistlines, it’s certainly possible to enjoys this treat without blowing the diet. 

This recipe is a traditional brownie dish but using small muffin cases.  Use flour, beaten eggs, sugar and dark chocolate as per a normal brownie recipe.  Also include some cocoa powder.  Interestingly, cocoa has many health benefits; it’s very high in antioxidants and has also been found to reduce blood pressure.  Incidentally, if you or your friends and family can’t resist a full-blown Easter egg, then choose a dark chocolate rather than milk chocolate one so you get some real health benefits too.

 

The Easter twist for these brownies is in the decoration; use plenty of mini eggs and enjoy them without any guilt.

Have a happy and healthy Easter!

 

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