Week 14: Creating New Traditional Foods for Easter

Easter, along with other holidays, gathers family and friends to spend time and share a meal together. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, we called many foods “traditional” even though they don’t support a healthy lifestyle.

For example, any of these sound familiar? Brown sugar glazed ham. Candied yams with marshmallows. Cheesey mashed potatoes and gravy. Creamed corn. Bread and butter. Deep fried appetizers. A token vegetable dish slathered in butter, sugar or other sauce. Chocolates. Pies. Ice cream. Candy.

This week, The Daniel Plan is going to help you create new Easter traditions! Dr. Mark Hyman offers several healthy main and side dishes, along with Easter basket alternatives for the kids. We’ve also included a Superfood spotlight on the omega-3 rich salmon and offer a salmon recipe for you to try. And Dr. Hyman, and Tana Amen each share delicious lamb recipes that may become a new tradition for celebrating the risen Lamb of God! Also, Dr. Oz gives us “Holiday Survival Tips” via video from The Dr. Oz Show.

According to Dr. Daniel Amen, most people use the holidays as an excuse to gorge themselves on excessive amounts of sugar, fat, and salt. “When eaten in excess these foods trigger an inflammatory response, leading to a breakdown in the ability of your body to fight disease,” he said. “The secret to feeling fabulous during the holidays is to follow an anti-inflammatory diet. For example, at the Amen household, it means we have a beautiful turkey in the middle of the table, surrounded by a variety of delicious vegetable dishes and salads. We typically follow the same 70/30 rule we follow all year long: 70 percent water-rich live foods and 30 percent concentrated foods.”

For a refresher on ways to avoid overeating bad foods while attending a gathering, read Dr. Amen’s article titled “Food Pushers.”

Additionally, last week Terry Bradshaw, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback, admitted to feeling the effects of multiple concussions, prompting us to report on Dr. Amen’s study of retired NFL players and how The Daniel Plan helps heal the brain and body.

Save-the-date! Saturday, June 11. Saddleback Church is hosting The Daniel Plan Fun Run/Walk, benefiting the PEACE Plan. Read about it here. Also, we’ve included training and nutrition tips for getting ready for the 5K or 10K race, whether this will be your first race or not.

Don’t Miss This…After the March 19 Health & Fitness Seminar, we recorded a special Q & A session for the Health Champions with Dr. Amen and Dr. Hyman. Watch this and learn more details to The Daniel Plan.

PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE

NEXT STEPS

Select a new healthy Easter main and side dish to bring or make for your family and friends. Try one of the lamb dishes or the Salmon with Honey-Coriander Glaze.
If you have children, be determined to switch to healthy Easter basket alternatives.
Start training for the 5K or 10K. Read Tom and Tina’s articles first. Registration details will follow in upcoming news from The Daniel Plan