Spring is in the air! 🌷 April is just around the corner. With it comes warmer weather, sunshine, & festivities! Easily navigate Passover and Easter with these tips & festive low-carb recipes.

Passover 2019

Friday, April 19 - Saturday, April 27

A ceremonial dinner (Seder) of symbolic foods marks the beginning of Passover. The shared Seder plate is a mix of high- and low-carb bites.

High Carb ⬆

Matzo (unleavened bread) 23g carbs, per piece

Charoset (fruit, nut & wine paste) 21.5g carbs, per 1/4 cup

Karpas (potato) 30g carbs 

Low Carb ⬇

Maror (horseradish) 1.7g carbs, per 1 tbsp

Chazeret (romaine lettuce) 0.9g carbs, per leaf

Zeroa (lamb shank) 0g carbs, per 1 oz

Seder Plate Tips:

1. Opt for whole grain matzo, which has slightly fewer carbs (19g) and more fiber.
2. Avoid adding sugar or honey to the Charoset. Instead, use a Kosher sweetener like stevia.
3. Sip on a dry red wine (~4g carbs per 8 oz).

For the remaining meals, most folks usually give up "the five species of grains"-- wheat, rye, oats, barley, and spelt. With these high-carb ingredients off limits, plenty of Passover recipes are Kosher and diabetes friendly 😊

Appetizers

• Smoked Salmon Tartare
• Lox Deviled Eggs with Avocado
• No-Matzo Ball Soup

Side Dishes

Transition from starchier, high-carb winter vegetables and take advantage of lighter, spring veggies. Greens, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts are all awesome low-carb options. Avoid kugels and other potato-based dishes. Instead, consider making a frittata or a zucchini-based casserole. Other options could be: 

• Sautéed Kale
• Asparagus Ribbons
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Main Courses

• Two-Ingredient Roast
• Beer Brisket
• Baked Salmon

Desserts

Enjoy these dairy-free and diabetes-friendly desserts. Your friends and family won't believe they are low-carb and you won't be left feeling deprived!

• Coconut Macaroons
• Peanut Butter Fudge
• Chocolate Mousse

Easter 2019

Sunday, April 21 

Easter means new beginnings, family... and chocolate 🍫 ! It's hard to stay on track when the grocery isles are lined with Cadbury Eggs, jelly beans, and marshmallow Peeps. But with a little preparation and creativity, you can stay on track and enjoy the holiday season.

Low-Carb Kids

A diabetes diagnosis doesn't mean your child has to miss out on Easter! Pack diabetes-friendly Easter baskets with small gifts instead of sugary treats. Stickers, small stuffed animals, bubbles, and chalk are all fun substitutions. Limit sweets to a few pieces of dark chocolate or sugar-free candy. Keep your child entertained with coloring pages, spring time crafts, and egg dying.

Sweet Moderation: Sugar-free candy may have less impact on blood glucose but be aware that the sugar alcohols (used as sweeteners) can cause digestive distress.

Low-Carb Brunch

Spend time with your friends and family while munching on these delicious low-carb options. Don't forget dessert!

Eggs

• Western Omelette
• Bacon & Egg Zucchini Nests
• Deviled Eggs

Meat & Fish

• Pimiento Cheese Meatballs
• Garlic Rosemary Roast Beef
• Baked Garlic Parmesan Salmon

Veggies

• Stuffed Mushrooms
• Gingery Sautéed Watercress and Shiitakes
• Spring Lettuces With Avocado Dressing and Pistachios

Dessert

• Nut-Free "Keto" Brownies
• No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Hoppy Eating 🐰 !