Easter, like many holidays, is filled with lots of goodies that often taste great but are not so good for our health. Reinventing the Easter basket is a one way to encourage a healthier holiday along with nutritious brunch items.

Although there is no shortage of cream filled eggs, peeps, and chocolate bunnies all around this time of the year, these sugar-filled candies are best consumed in moderation. A great way to enjoy a healthier Easter is to fill baskets with non-food items. Non-food items are also a good choice for anyone who has a food allergy. Here are some examples:

• Socks or pajamas.
• Movies or books like Peter Rabbit.
• Crayons, markers, and Easter-themed coloring books.
• Egg shaped chalk is a great choice and good way to get the family outside for some physical activity. Have a bunny hop race across the lawn!

Another way to enjoy a healthier Easter is to start off with a nutritious meal, often brunch for this particular holiday. You don’t have to eat tiny quantities like a rabbit. But, you should eat many of their favorite things, like carrots! Rabbits love fruits and vegetables which are good for our health too.  Here are some ideas to add more fruits and veggies into your Easter menu.

• If you are making a quiche, add a bag of frozen Our Family mixed vegetables.
• Make an easy healthy spinach dip with frozen spinach, plain Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lemon juice, and dash of garlic powder. Serve in clear mini cups with two carrot sticks and it will look like bunny ears in the grass!
• Cut the stems off strawberries and remove grapes from the vine for a colorful fruit bowl. Fun fact: people are more likely to eat fruit when it is already prepared.

Visit your local Family Fresh Market produce department and frozen section to find these items. You can also cruise the general merchandise aisles to find those non-food items for your Easter baskets, eliminating the need for a stop at a second store. We would love to see your healthier Easter baskets, so please share your photos on our Facebook page. All of the rabbits at Family Fresh Market wish you happy and healthy Easter!

“This medical and/or nutritional information is not intended to be a substitute for individual advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.”