We are in the midst of the Passover week-long holiday and rapidly approaching Easter this Sunday. While so many people are talking about all the foods they shouldn’t be eating during the holidays, I spent time last night thinking about all feel-great foods that are traditional at this time of year.
One of the cornerstone foods for the Passover seder meal is charoset. It symbolizes the mortar used by the Israelite slaves to build the great pyramids of Egypt. While you might think that it should be bitter to create sadness, it is actually quite sweet, to remind the Jews of the sweetness of freedom. The main ingredients are apples, walnuts, sweet concord grape wine and cinnamon, all ground together. Depending on where you are from in the Diaspora, other ingredients like dried fruits are commonly added. It is an incredible Good Mood food, and many families eat it all week long as a side dish or dessert.
Both Passover and Easter emphasize the coming of Spring, and so eggs are very symbolic for both holidays. Any way you eat them, eggs are one of my top feel-great foods.
The Easter lamb is traditional for the holiday meal. Lamb is delicious source of good mood nutrients like protein, vitamin B-12, Niacin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B-6, Iron, Zinc and Magnesium. Lamb roast, chop or legs are considered lean meats, making them a good choice for a heart healthy diet.
Your holiday meals will not only help you celebrate the season, but will also put you and your family in a good mood!
Yours in a Good Mood,
Dr. Susan Kleiner