The Easter It is undoubtedly one of the most beloved and “full” celebrations in Greece – and when we say “full”, we mean not only by love and family warmth, but also by … dishes! Traditional foods, sweets, spit lambs, buns and roosters flood every table, turning the biggest celebration of Orthodoxy into a … nutritional marathon.
And who can resist? After a long period of fasting, most see Easter as a “legal reason” for gastronomic freedom – or even liberation.
Easter’s dietary challenge
The problem is not the tradition itself, but the exaggeration. We start Good Saturday with the cook and the red eggs, continue on Easter Sunday with Obelia, Lamb, Katsiki, Kokoretsi and cottage, accompanied by a plethora of appetizers, salads and of course – wine or tsipouro. And as if all of this wasn’t enough, comes the… sweet “attack”: buns, chocolate eggs and Easter cookies.
| Food / drink | Quantity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Red egg | 1 piece | 75-80 calories |
| Lamb | 100 g | 316 calories |
| Lamb bouti | 100 g | 191 calories |
| Lamb ribs | 100 g | 492 calories |
| Scalp | 100 g | 316 calories |
| Lamb shoulder blade | 100 g | 196 calories |
| Kid | 100 g | 166 calories |
| Coal | 100 g | 170 calories |
| Cook | 1 serving | 583 calories |
| Baked potatoes | 255 g | 566 calories |
| Beer | 100 ml | 43 calories |
| Wine | 100 ml | 84 calories |
| Hard drink (whiskey, vodka etc.) | 100 ml | 250 calories |
| Liqueur | 100 ml | 230 calories |
Tips for a more balanced Easter table:
You have to keep in mind that Easter lasts only one day. So, right after you can go back to the normal rhythms for you.
Perhaps the best idea would be on Easter the day after ‘fasting’ and mainly absent foods such as meat or egg.
However, in the case of excesses from the Easter table, consume them in moderation and always in combination with salad.
Finally, we could not close our issue without referring to physical activity. These days are usually spent with family and friends. So see it as an opportunity and combine the Easter table with an excursion to nature. Play with your children, take a walk or a bike ride.
In this case, do not forget to hydrate your body with water or other non -alcoholic beverages such as tea or soda as water losses will be increased.
- Measure in quantity:
- Enjoy all the dishes, but in smaller portions.
- Choose lean meats:
- Prefer lean pieces of lamb or goat and remove visible fat.
- Variety in salads:
- Accompany your meal with plenty of salads, rich in fiber and vitamins.
- Attention to sweets:
- Enjoy traditional sweets in small quantities and choose fruit as an alternative.
- Hydration:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Move:
- Enjoy a walk with family after lunch.
We eat traditional, not… recklessly
The solution is not to deprive Easter goodies, but to enjoy them in moderation. Some practical tips that can help are:
Easter is a celebration of joy and family warmth. By following the tips above, you can enjoy the Easter table without guilt, maintaining a balanced diet and feeling well.
And after Easter, what? Back to balance!
It is worth keeping in mind that Easter – however tasty and enjoyable it is – lasts only one day. But your body … remembers it for many! Thus, Easter Monday can be the ideal starting point for a mild reset to your normal rhythms. Not with deprivation, not with punishments, but with conscious care.