Chocolate Easter eggs and hot cross buns are just the perfect way to wrap up the first quarter of the year. You get to enjoy the Easter egg hunt and all those delicious treats that Easter bunny is preparing for you.
However, if you’re on a diet, it’s probably wise to keep the treats on the down low. That said, you can still have a healthy Easter Sunday by starting your day with a filling breakfast or brunch. Check out some easy egg recipes below to give your day a solid start.
Eggs are one of those tasty super foods that come packed with multiple vitamins and minerals. They are also high in protein, thus can keep you fuller for longer. Combine that with avocado and all those healthy fats will keep you from straying over and over to the treats basket. If you’re on a low-fat diet, reduce the avocado serving and use egg whites instead of the whole egg. As a bonus, starting your day with a filling meal means you will end up eating less, and in the long run, your BMI will thank you for that.
Ingredients:
• 2 eggs
• 2 slices whole grain bread
• 1/3 avocado
• 2 tablespoons shaved Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper for topping
• Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or basil) for topping
• Quartered heirloom tomatoes for serving
Directions:
1. Fill a pot with water, add vinegar and bring it to boil. The vinegar will help the eggs stay together during poaching.
2. Gently put your eggs inside the pot. Turn off the heat, and using two mason jar rims (metal), gently crack the eggs.
3. Cover the pot and simmer for a few minutes. Depending on your preferences, poach for 4 minutes for super soft, 4:30 minutes for soft, 5 or more minutes for semi-soft yolks.
4. Toast the bread and mash the avocado in a different bowl. Dice the fresh herbs and quarter the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. When the eggs are ready, gently remove them from the water using a spatula. Place the eggs and avocado on top of your toast, and sprinkle with your parmesan cheese and diced herbs. Serve with the quartered heirloom tomatoes.
Skinny pepper, tomato and ham omelette
A protein-rich breakfast is a perfect way to start your day. This traditional healthy Easter Ham omelette never gets old. It’s quick and easy to make, tastes great, and is very filling.
Ingredients:
• 2 whole eggs and 3 egg whites
• 1tsp olive oil
• 1 red pepper, finely chopped
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped
• Few slices of wafer thin ham, shredded
• 25g reduced-fat mature cheddar
• 1-2 chopped fresh tomatoes
• Whole meal toast (optional)
Directions:
1. Mix the eggs and egg whites with some seasoning and set aside. Heat the oil in a medium non-stick frying pan and cook the pepper for 3-4 mins. Throw in the white parts of the spring onions and cook for 1 min more. Pour in the eggs and cook over medium heat until almost entirely set.
2. Sprinkle on the ham and cheese and continue cooking until just set in the centre, or flash it under a hot grill if you like it more well done. Serve straight from the pan with the green part of the spring onion sprinkled on top, the chopped tomato and some wholemeal toast.
Aside from the fun egg treats, you can go all creative with healthy eggs. All those treats pack up calories real quick, and you cannot lose weight if you are eating excess calories. Instead of eating too many egg treats later in the day, go for real baked eggs. They are simple to make, and you can add all sorts of healthy ingredients making them the perfect brunch.
Ingredients:
• Vegetable oil
• 4 large free-range eggs
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• For spinach & ham: 20 g baby spinach, 75 g quality cooked ham
• For tomato & basil: 70 g ripe cherry tomatoes, 1 sprig of fresh basil
• For smoked salmon & chives: 50g smoked salmon, a few fresh chives
• For truffle mushrooms: 50 g chestnut mushrooms, a few drops of truffle oil
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to full whack. Lightly grease 2 ovenproof ramekins or small baking dishes with a little oil.
2. Prepare your chosen filling – roughly chop the spinach, quarter the tomatoes, finely chop the chives or slice the mushrooms.
3. Place your chosen filling into the prepared ramekins, crack a couple of eggs on top and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place in the hot oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, then serve straight away.
Take Away
Staying healthy this Easter doesn’t have to be so hard. With a few changes to what you are eating, you can be on your way to achieving your ideal weight. Enjoy a healthy Easter by indulging in any of these easy to make egg recipes. Eat healthily, and keep the weight away. Give yourself an early Easter Sunday present by taking charge of your health.