Balancing Your Easter Plate

Holidays are always an excuse to overindulge at the buffet table, and Easter Sunday is not any different. The one culinary advantage to this holiday is the turn of the season. Markets all over the country are filled with fresh fruits and vegetables. With spring coming into full bloom and bathing suit season right around the corner, there is no better time to bounce back to your New Year's resolution. My, how time flies!

At Easter time plastic eggs are filled with sugary candy and the table is occupied with sodium, empty calories, and fat. Believe it or not, there are proper ways to indulge at your Easter feast sparing yourself extra time at the gym on Monday morning.

First, do not "hop" over breakfast. Most typical Easter festivities begin following a morning religious service. Have a nutritious bowl of cereal or a piece of toast with peanut butter to hold you over until your gathering gets under way. Skipping meals seems to give people the opportunity to cosset the hors d'oeuvre tray or the chip and dip platter with no hesitation.

Go into the holiday not with a plan for finding the most Easter eggs, but with a plan to search out a well balanced meal that can include an adult beverage or a sweet treat for dessert.

Start off the event by drinking a glass of sparkling water with a citrus twist. If your splurge is a cocktail, drink two glasses of water for every cocktail you drink. This is a good way to curb any impulses drawing you to the cheese platter.

If you need to nibble on something, hit the crudites tray being fully aware of the amount of dip you take. A handful of nuts are a good option as well (** Note, "handful," meaning one).

At the buffet, it is very tempting to put a little bit of everything on your plate. But if you're focusing on balance, "everything," is well, unbalanced. "Anything can be included, as long as careful attention is paid to portion size," says nutritionist Joanna Dolgoff, M.D..

Take advantage of the spring season by loading your stomach with the green items that are hopefully available. Mixed greens, haricot vert, and spring peas are plentiful components to add to your plate. When choosing starchy elements opt for whole grains or potatoes that have been roasted. Welcome any other healthful vegetable that is offered, even you can't resist your Aunt Pam's broccoli and rice casserole add a couple of bites for tradition sake.

Select from lean protein options such as roasted chicken, poached salmon and even ham (watch out for the sodium!). Deviled eggs are a longtime symbol on any Easter buffet and are usually seen only at this time of year. For that reason alone, it can be an acceptable excuse to find a place for one on your plate.

Not sure where to go when navigating the dessert selections? Chocolate believe it or not, is a perfect turn to take. According to chocolate expert Sarah Endline of Sweet Riot, chocolate is a mood booster, and provides lovely feelings. You don't have to eat the whole chocolate bunny, but a mere ear should satisfy that sweet tooth.

In the end, Easter is one of the first holidays of the year that brings family and friends together. Focusing on those around you, should keep your mind off of devilish temptations. Nutritionist Jodi Greebel helps to keep things in perspective, "Healthy eating should be enjoyable. No one eats perfectly everyday." With that said, eat both ears from the chocolate bunny!

— Written by Hailee Moore

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