7 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Green Food

Brussels sprout. Photo: SXC

Name a holiday that isn't celebrated with food. I'm waiting...Good luck! For St. Patrick's Day fill your plate and mug with a little green. Here's how to celebrate with food and stay healthy!

1. Whip up a tasty green smoothie for breakfast using spinach or kale. Check out this fruit-packed, simple Green Smoothie recipe from Two Peas & Their Pod.
2. Serve Brussels sprouts with your Irish dinner menu. These tiny cabbages are tasty when steamed and served with a drizzle of butter and sprinkle of coarse sea salt. 
3.  Use shamrock-shaped cookie cutters and organic green food dye to make festive pancakes for breakfast. Just remember to use whole grain or nut flour to make the breakfast a bit healthier. My personal favorite is Pamela's Gluten-free Pancake Mix. It's made with ground almonds! 
4.  Make a batch of cloverleaf dinner rolls. My grandmother always made these on special occasions including Easter and St. Patrick's Day. Add some milled flax seed to boost the nutrient level of the rolls and a splash of green food coloring. 
5.  Swap your morning coffee with a cup of antioxidant-rich green tea. Flavor the drink with a squeeze of lemon or lime. Or, make it sweet with a spoon of honey. 
6.  Bake a quiche. Load the egg dish with fresh green spinach leaves for a boost of iron and fiber. Earn bonus points for making the crust with whole wheat flour and adding a splash of green food dye for the holiday. 
7. Make a green fruit salad to go with breakfast or lunch. Mix together green grapes, slices of kiwi, cubes of honeydew melon and sprinkle with some lime zest. Delicious!

How will you celebrate St. Patrick's Day on your dinner plate? Please share your ideas, tips and tricks in the comments below!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!
(And may the luck O' the Irish be with you!)

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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