12 Healthy Easter Treats

When Easter rolls around, grocery store displays explode with chocolate eggs, jellybeans, and marshmallow bunnies. Although these sugary treats seem to be staples of the spring holiday, there are plenty of healthy alternatives that can be just as festive. Whether you’re making Easter treats for an event, or you’re looking for a fun activity for your kids, we found 12 snacks and desserts that won’t cause a sugar crash.

Easter Yogurt Bark
Pomegranate seeds and blueberries give this beautiful holiday bark pops of Easter egg-like color and lots of antioxidants. Since it’s made with Greek yogurt (instead of sugar-laced white chocolate), it’s a great way to sneak some protein into a sweet treat. Get the recipe from Mrs. Happy Homemaker.

Photo by Mrs. Happy Homemaker.

Yogurt-Dipped Strawberry Carrots
Even if your kids don’t love to munch on carrots, they’re sure to love these fruit faux “carrots” that are perfect for the season. Get the recipe from A Whisk and Two Wands.

Photo by A Whisk and Two Wands.

Minions Easter Eggs
Take your egg-decorating game to the next level with these adorably devious minions from@hannah_rex. They’re simpler to make than they look – all you need are blue and yellow dye, a sharpie, and a steady hand. Dunk the whole egg in yellow dye until it’s completely colored, let it dry, and then hold the bottom half of the egg in blue dye for one to two minutes. Googly eyes available at your local craft store make these cheerful characters come to life, but they can also be drawn on. For those who prefer something a bit more conniving, a purple minion will get kids giggling.

Photo by Hannah Rex.

Easter Egg Lunch Box
This idea from A Kailo Chic Life makes lunchtime fun with veggies, crackers, fruit, and bite-sized sandwiches packed in colorful plastic eggs served in an egg carton. They’re like a fun version of Portion Fix containers, but for kids!

Photo by A Kailo Chic Life.

Cheese and Crackers Chicks
Bring a little springtime spirit to snack time with this super simple take on cheese and crackers. All you need to make these chicks are round whole-wheat crackers, cheese, baby carrots, and a handful of spinach leaves. Find out how to make them here.

Photo by Canadian Family.

Carrot Patches
Taste and Tell turned the simple snack of carrots and hummus into an Easter party centerpiece. She made individual carrot servings by dipping carrots topped with parsley leaves into tiny flowerpots filled with hummus.

Photo by Taste and Tell.

Yogurt Easter Egg Popsicles
If your part of the country is hit with a springtime heatwave, you’ll need something refreshing to feed your kids when they finish running around outside searching for hidden Easter eggs. These popsicles from Eats Amazing are a healthy, frozen treat made with yogurt, sweet berries, and crunchy granola mixed together and frozen in egg-shaped molds.

Photo by Eats Amazing.

Sweet Potato Bunnies
All you need to make this Easter-inspired snack from With Style and Grace are sweet potatoes and a bunny-shaped cookie cutter. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, try your hand at shaping slices of sweet potato with a sharp paring knife. Spray them with nonstick cooking spray and bake them until soft for a healthy and adorable Easter side dish.

Photo by With Style and Grace.
Tomato Tulips
We know that April showers bring May flowers, but when Easter falls in March, Mother Nature might need help in the floral department. Brighten up any spread with these tulips made from cherry tomatoes, chives, and cheese. Use Neufchatel or ricotta cheese to keep this treat both healthy and beautiful. Get the recipe from Surviving a Teacher’s Salary.

Photo by Surviving a Teacher’s Salary.

Bunny Pancakes
Kick off Easter morning with with a darling bunny pancake breakfast like this one from Nico and Lala. Whip up a batch of Multi-Grain Banana Pancakes in sizes to make the bunny body, head, ears and feet. Decorate the paws with banana slices and mini chocolate chips, and fashion a fluffy tail from shredded coconut.

Photo by Nico and Lala.

Veggie Flowers and Egg Birds
This snack idea from Artsy Craftsy Mom presents a cheerful Spring scene. Dress up peeled, hard-boiled eggs as chickens using carrot slices for feathers and beaks, and sesame seeds for eyes. Place them on a bed of lettuce in a garden of flowers made from decorative cucumber and carrot flowers.

Photo by Artsy Craftsy Mom

Easter Bunny Eggs
These Easter bunny eggs from My Fudo will hop off their centerpiece and into the mouths of happy kids. Use radishes for the ears, celery for the whiskers, and sliced black olives for the eyes. Set the bunnies on a bed of tuna, place it all on a plate of lettuce, and serve! Get full instructions here.

Photo by My Fudo.

via teambeachbody.com

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

HOME

1. Non-Toxic Cleaner:

It’s no secret that vinegar is an excellent household cleaner. What some people don’t know is that raw, unfiltered vinegar contains all the bacteria fighting benefits that some commercial vinegars lack. To make your own cleaning solution, simply mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar, plus a little elbow grease, to get your home free of dirt, bacteria, and toxins cleaners. Don’t worry, the vinegar smell goes away as it dries.

2. Weed Killer:

A friendly neighbor turned me on to vinegar as weed killing alternative years ago and it’s even more effective than dangerous glyphosate.  Just mix 1/2 gallon apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup salt, and 1/2 teaspoon dish soap. It will effectively kill any plant you spray it on, so make sure you avoid the flowers and other plants you want to keep.

3. Odor Neutralizer:

Is your home filled with an unpleasant odor that just won’t go away? Place some apple cider vinegar in a dish and leave near the offensive odor to help get rid of it quicker.

HEALTH

4. Diabetes Prevention:

Multiple studies have shown a correlation between apple cider vinegar and lower blood sugar levels. In one study participants took two tablespoons of ACV before bed and saw their blood sugar 4 to 6 percent by the time they woke. The antiglycemic effect of the acid in apple cider vinegar is what helps with insulin sensitivity.

5. Weight Loss:

Consuming apple cider vinegar can help you feel more full, which can help you eat less. A study has also shown acetic acid, found in ACV, to slow fat accumulation. If the flavor is too strong for you to sip on it’s own, try adding apple cider vinegar to juices, salad dressing, and even water to incorporate it into your diet.

6. Lower Cholesterol:

In addition to lowered blood sugar and weight loss, a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed interesting findings regarding apple cider vinegar and cholesterol.  Lowered VLDL levels and lowered triglycerides were discovered in lab rats who were given apple cider vinegar alongside a high cholesterol diet. The rat who were not given ACV did not see the same drop in cholesterol.

7. Detox:

Apple cider vinegar can help detox your home, but it can also detox your body. It can help promote circulation and detoxify the liver. The acid in ACV can also bind to toxins which can assist in removing toxins from the body. Apple cider vinegar’s potassium content helps to break up mucus in the body and clearing the lymph nodes. This also aids in the removal of toxins. Add apple cider into your diet and check out these other ways to detox.

8.Clear Sinuses:

Since breaking up mucus is one of apple cider vinegar’s many talents, it also helps clear out the sinuses. Since it’s antibacterial, it can also prevent a sinus infection or cold as well. Sip some water and apple cider vinegar to breathe a little easier.

9. Sore Throat:

The bacteria fighting properties of apple cider vinegar work just about anywhere. Gargle equal parts warm water and apple cider vinegar at the first sign of a sore throat to keep it at bay and repeat every hour as needed.

10. Digestive Aid:

Having tummy troubles or know you’re going to eat something that you might regret later? Sip diluted apple cider vinegar (mixed in water or juice) to help settle that stomach. It’s the antibiotic properties and bacteria fighting power of ACV that help. Some say thepectin in apple cider vinegar also helps with intestinal spasms.

11. Itchy or Sunburned Skin:

I know this is one of my favorite uses for apple cider vinegar. Just apply right to the itchy area for some relief. It also works for itches caused by bug bites, poison ivy, or a jellyfish sting. As for sunburned skin, soak in a bath with 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to help ease the pain.

12.Wart Remover:

Over the counter wart removers are anything but natural. A trip to the doctor to remove it can be scary, painful, and leave a scar. Instead, soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and cover the wart. Leave it covered overnight (I use a a bandaid or medical tape) and repeat every night until the wart falls right off.

13. Energy Boost:

Don’t reach for an chemical filled energy drink if you’re feeling tired. Instead, grab a bottle of apple cider vinegar for an energy boost. The potassium and and enzymes in apple cider vinegar help to give you a pick me up. Just add some ACV to a glass of water. I like adding it to my water during a workout to prevent fatigue. The amino acids in apple cider vinegar combat lactic acid build up that can happen after exercise.

BEAUTY/HYGIENE 

14. Shiny, Flake Free Hair:

Apple cider vinegar is an excellent weekly hair rinse. It leaves hair looking shiny and soft. The acid in ACV helps to remove product build up. It also helps to balance your scalp’s pH level. Mix 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar into 4 cups water and rinse the hair after shampooing, then rinse with cold water. If you are having issues with dandruff, twice a week try spraying your scalp with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. Place a towel around your head and leave wrapped for up to an hour. Wash your hair as you usually would.

15. Facial Toner/Cleanser:

Thanks to the antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar, it’s great for cleaning most everything, even your face. It can even help prevent break outs. Just like with you scalp, it can help balance your skin’s pH levels. Dilute some apple cider vinegar with water and apply to a cotton ball to use as a toner or on blemishes.

16. Deodorant:

Many deodorants are harmful to your health. Apple cider vinegar will help fight the odor causing bacteria without the cancer causing toxins. Just apply a little ACV under your arms. You won’t be left smelling like vinegar once it dries.

17. Fade Bruises:

Coming from a long line of klutzes, this was a use of apple cider vinegar I was happy about. After a bump or the appearance of a bruise dab on some apple cider vinegar. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and will help to ease the discoloration.

18. Whiten Teeth:

Make those teeth sparkle after swishing around some apple cider vinegar diluted with two parts water. Then brush as usual. The bacteria fighting power of ACV is an added bonus too.

19. Eliminate Bad Breath:

Use apple cider vinegar as a mouth wash and gargle to help eliminate objectionable mouth odor. It kills the bacteria that causes bad breath.

20. Stop Smelly Feet:

In case you haven’t figured it out yet, apple cider vinegar helps get rid of bad smells, wherever they may be. If that just so happens to be on your feet, try this remedy. Wipe your feet down with a paper towel soaked in ACV to control odor. The ability of apple cider vinegar to balance the pH of your feet and eliminate odor causing bacteria is what makes it a great natural remedy.

21. Juice: 

Consuming organic raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar can assist in many of the health benefits I listed above. Try adding it to juices or smoothies if the taste is too pungent for you on it’s own.

22. Baking:

Fluff up your baked good by adding apple cider vinegar. It adds lift to cookies, cakes, and other concoctions and you won’t taste it in the final product.

23. Sauces:

I use apple cider vinegar for my barbecue sauce and it’s perfect for that tangy but sweet flavor. Try it in your favorite marinades or mix it into condiments that are too thick.

24. Soups:

Still need more ways to get apple cider vinegar into your diet? Try adding it to soups. It can add a bit of brightness and flavor. Don’t worry, it won’t end up tasting like vinegar.

25. Salads:

I think this one goes without saying, but it certainly needed to make the list. I almost never buy salad dressings. Whisk together some apple cider vinegar and olive oil and your favorite additions (garlic, mustard, citrus, honey, etc) for a delicious drizzle over your organic greens. It’s even great in salad recipes especially!

For more tips and tricks to improve your overall health, lower blood sugar, improve digestion and lose weight if necessary, join me for my next clean eating boot camp by submitting your information here .

Via Mamavation!

Easy Zucchini Lasagna Recipe

I make this often and its so good! 

What you need:

1 24oz Jar (or homemade if you are up for it!) Marinara of choice. I have been using Bertoli Organic Olive Oil,       Basil and Garlic.

6 Lasagna noodles

1 Container of ricotta cheese

1 egg

1-2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

1 Zucchini Sliced

1 package mozzarella cheese

1/2 pound ground turkey cooked (optional)

2-3 garlic cloves

While preparing other ingredients put lasagna noodles in baking dish with hot tap water (or boil if you prefer) until noodles are al dente.

If you haven't already, brown ground turkey. Season with garlic powder and a little sea salt if desired.

In a mixing bowl mix together ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese and the egg until well blended.

put sauce in a mixing bowl or sauce pan and add fresh garlic (yep more garlic!)

Now we layer! First put a small amount of sauce in the bottom (just enough to cover lightly). Then go 3 lasagna noodles. Next spread 1/2 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Add zucchini slices, a layer of ground turkey and more sauce. Then we add the remaining 3 lasagna noodles, the other 1/2 of the ricotta mixture and remaining sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

Enjoy!

Understanding the 21 Day Fix Program

One of the more difficult parts of starting any new diet or nutrition program is figuring out portion control. The color-coded 21 Day Fix containers were created to help solve this problem and make portion control easy and intuitive and get you away from the hassle of calorie counting. If it fits and it’s on the approved food list, you can eat it!

How the 21 Day Fix Containers Work

There are six colors corresponding to six different types of foods:

The green container is for vegetables. These can be cooked or raw, sliced or chopped. Some examples include lettuces, kale, squash, peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Go ahead and really squish the lettuce into there to create a voluminous salad!

The purple container is for fruits. Berries can easily fit into this container as can grapes and cherries, but you’ll want to cut larger fruits like watermelon, or fruits with pits, like peaches.

The red container is for protein. Fill it with chicken breast, yogurt, eggs, tofu, or shellfish. For some of the other protein, consult the food list in your guide.

The yellow container is for more caloric carbs, as well as starches. This is where you’ll fit in foods like rice, beans, sweet potatoes, and whole-grain pasta into your diet. For foods that don’t easily fit into your container such as waffles and tortillas, the portion amounts are in your 21 Day Fix guide.

The blue container is for healthy fats. Mashed avocado, nuts, cheese, and hummus are just a few of the things you can put in this container.

The orange container is for seeds and dressings. It is the smallest and is used for calorie-dense foods like seeds, olives, coconut, and 21 Day Fix-approved dressings.

There is also a teaspoon measurement included in the 21 Day Fix program, and this is for oils and butters, such as olive oil and peanut butter. A teaspoon is not provided with the containers, so you’ll need to use your own. (And who doesn’t have a teaspoon in their kitchen?)

How To Use Them

Now that you know what goes in the containers, it’s time to use them. Although you don’t have to count your calories each day, you should use page 4 of your guide to figure out approximately how many calories you need in a day. Once you do, take a look at the 21 chart on page 19 that will let you how many containers of each color you should eat each day for your calorie range. If you’re paying attention to macronutrient percentages, you’ll notice that the plan is roughly 40% carbohydrates, 30%protein, and 30% fat.

Although the guide contains recommendations for how much of one type of food can fit into a container, you can mix and match foods of the same category to fill a single container. For example, if you don’t want to use a whole green container for spinach, then you can fill one half full of spinach and the other half full of carrots, and it will still equal one green container.

As convenient and transportable as the containers are, you don’t have to eat out of them. You can measure out the portions in the containers and then empty the container out onto a plate or into a bowl.

Why the 21 Day Fix Container System Works

You don’t have to count calories. You only count containers. And it’s a lot easier to keep track of three green containers than x number of calories.

It’s definitely enough food. Often when people begin this program, they find that they’re full even before they’ve finished all their container portions for the day. That’s because healthy food has more volume than junk food. If you find you find this is the case for you, only eat what you can, but make sure to eat a little from all the containers instead of just filling up on your favorite kind and avoiding what you like the least.

It’s practical. Portion control is about moderation and being aware of what you’re eating. The containers help you do this. After you’ve completed your first 21 days, you’ll have a good idea of how many fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats you should be eating every day.

Need some ideas on how to use yours containers? The creator of the 21 Day Fix, Autumn Calabrese, created the FIXATE cookbook for you. And, you're also welcome to join my monthly 21 day fix boot camps for extra help, support, meal ideas, recipes, and more!

Via the Team Beachbody Blog