Rise and Shine to a Healthy Easter Brunch

For some, Easter brunch is an annual family tradition. It is a nice way to bring the family together early in the day to begin the celebration of food and fun. Typically, an Easter brunch might include dishes like sausage and eggs and breakfast pastries like muffins, scones, or gooey cinnamon treats, but this year, put a healthy spin on the traditional Easter brunch. Here are some tips for lightening up the fare, without lightening up the flavor.

• Carve a watermelon Easter basket and fill with fresh fruit salad.
• Offer your guests sparkling water with fresh lemons or make a juice-spritzer using seltzer and 100 percent fruit juice.
• Include lots of fresh vegetables in your brunch buffet. Serve raw veggies and low-fat dip as an appetizer, grilled asparagus as a side dish, or a spring salad along side the main course. Be sure to include carrots in case the Easter Bunny makes a surprise appearance!
• Substitute egg whites or egg substitute in your favorite egg dishes: scrambled eggs, omelets, quiche and even deviled eggs.
• Reduce the amount of cheese in your egg entrees by half or choose reduced fat versions of your family’s favorite cheese like part-skim mozzarella or reduced fat cheddar.
• Sneak some veggies into egg dishes. Add spinach or mushrooms to an omelet; or add both!
• Substitute applesauce for oil and whole wheat flour for white flour in rolls, crepes, pancakes and French toast.
• Help your guests with portion control: Put out smaller plates and bigger glasses.
• Have your cake and eat it too: Substitute reduced fat cream cheese, silken tofu or soymilk for regular cream cheese to make a “healthy” cheesecake or mousse for dessert.
• What’s Easter without a little chocolate? Lose the guilt by eating dark chocolate, instead of milk or white chocolate; but remember to watch portions since chocolate is still high in calories and fat.
• Finally, encourage adult guests to join the kids in the annual Easter egg hunt to get everyone moving and burning those calories!

For more tips, information and healthy recipes, visit the health and wellness section of ShopRite.com.