Easter is just around the corner. Easter is primarily observed within Christian communities. But, it’s also become a traditional holiday without the religious aspects. However you celebrate Easter, it’s a time when there are lots of chocolate, candy, and eggs. And let’s not forget traditional Easter dinners, such as ham, deviled eggs, hot cross buns, and sugary desserts. These are all foods you need to avoid.
Most Easter chocolate is milk chocolate. Milk causes more multiple sclerosis (MS) flares. Consumer Reports did a study and found dangerous heavy metals in 28 out of 28 dark chocolate bars. Heavy metals are a trigger for people with MS and need to be removed from your body. Brands like Green & Black’s, Lily’s, and Trader Joe’s had dangerous levels of both lead & cadmium. – It’s best to avoid all chocolate while you’re healing.
Pork (ham) is higher in fat. Dr. Roy Swank, the creator of the Swank diet, found areas that ate diets higher in fat had higher rates of MS. Your body is fighting chronic inflammation which puts a burden on your liver. Eating a high-fat diet is also hard on the liver. Plus, pork is more prone to parasites. – It’s best to avoid pork while you’re trying to heal.
Eggs are a common food allergen. Some people don’t realize they have an intolerance because symptoms don’t show up right away. I’ve always had a sensitivity to eggs, I immediately start getting gut pains. Eggs could also potentially trigger inflammation or exacerbate MS symptoms. – It’s best to avoid eggs while you’re trying to heal.
Easter candy as you know is full of refined sugar and artificial ingredients. – These are foods you should always avoid! Instead, eat real food and natural sugars like fruit, raw honey, and pure maple syrup.
Natural Easter Eggs and Crafts
Instead of dying Easter eggs get creative with something else. There are plenty of creative and enjoyable options to consider. It’s not the dying eggs process, it’s the enjoyment you feel in whatever it is you’re doing. Make new traditions your family will love.
Here are a few ideas:
- Decorate Natural Objects. Instead of eggs, gather natural objects like stones, seashells, or wood. Decorate them with paints, markers, or natural dyes. You can create beautiful designs and patterns while avoiding eggs altogether. Plus, these will last a long time.
- Craft Paper or Fabric Eggs. Make Easter eggs out of paper mache, fabric, or felt. Cut out egg shapes and decorate them with colorful designs, ribbons, buttons, or beads. These handmade eggs can be just as festive and fun to create as traditional ones.
- Plant Seeds. Celebrate the spirit of growth and renewal by planting seeds in small pots or containers. You can decorate the pots with Easter-themed designs. Plant herbs you can use as you cook.
- Create Nature-inspired Crafts. Create Easter-themed table centerpieces using flowers, leaves, and pinecones. Get creative with your designs.
- Organize a Nature Scavenger Hunt. Instead of hunting for Easter eggs, organize a scavenger hunt outdoors. Search for items like flowers, feathers, or interesting rocks. It’s a fun way to explore nature and enjoy the springtime surroundings without the focus on eggs. Or buy Easter Egg Bath Bombs and hide those.
There are many creative and enjoyable ways to celebrate Easter without the need for eggs.
Natural Easter Candy
When I was a kid, the “Easter bunny” always hid the entire basket instead of individual eggs. It had the traditional chocolate bunny, candy, and dyed eggs. My siblings and I would always try to find ours first, it was fun and I still remember those times. But, it was the time we spent together that I enjoyed.
You can have fun with whole foods instead of processed sugary candy. Remember, it’s the enjoyment of the season you’ll remember. Instead, make treats that are natural and good for you.
Here are some natural food ideas to enjoy instead of Easter candy:
- Fresh Fruit. Enjoy the natural sweetness of fresh fruits like berries, grapes, apples, and kiwis. You can arrange them in a colorful fruit platter or skewer them on bamboo sticks for a fun and healthy treat.
- Dried Fruit. Enjoy dried fruits such as apricots, figs, dates, and raisins as a sweet and satisfying snack. Just make sure to choose varieties without added sugars or preservatives. – Eat these in moderation, they’re high in sugar.
- Nuts and Seeds. Snack on nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. They are a crunchy and nutritious alternative to candy. You can mix them together to create your own custom trail mix.
- Homemade Fruit Leather. Make your own fruit leather using pureed fruit and a dehydrator or oven. Simply spread the puree thinly on a baking sheet and dry it until it becomes leathery. Cut it into strips or fun shapes for a wholesome snack.
- Raw Vegetables with Dip. Serve a platter of raw vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Include homemade dips like guacamole.
- Coconut or Nut-based Treats. Prepare homemade coconut or nut-based treats like energy balls, bars, or truffles. Use ingredients like coconut, dates, nuts, and seeds. For sweeteners use dates, raw honey, or pure maple syrup.
- Natural Gummies. Look for gummy candies made from natural ingredients like fruit juice. They offer a chewy and fun treat without the added chemicals. Avoid any that have artificial flavors and colors. – Here’s one from Amazon: BEAR Real Fruit Snack Minis.
Easter Dinner
Photo by Thallen Merlin
Traditional Easter dinners often include a variety of dishes. Pay attention to what’s in each dish, they often include heavily processed ingredients. Also, avoid dairy (including whey), gluten, eggs, canola oil, pork, and corn. Celebrate Easter by cooking meals with wholesome, natural fresh ingredients.
Here are some Easter dinner ideas:
- Roasted lamb
- Spring vegetables
- Potato dishes, try my Egg-Free Sweet Potato Salad
- Fruit desserts like fruit salad or banana nice cream
Celebrate Easter Naturally
Celebrate Easter with healthy foods instead of sugary treats, chocolate, or eggs. Enjoy colorful fruits like berries and oranges for a naturally sweet snack. Make homemade treats using fruit, nuts, and honey for a tasty alternative. Fill your plate with fresh veggies like carrots and bell peppers for crunch and flavor.
Remember, Easter is about spending time with your loved ones and eating natural foods for your health. It’s not about candy it’s about creating lasting memories together.
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Resources:
https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/lead-and-cadmium-in-dark-chocolate-a8480295550/
Celebrate Easter with Natural Foods
