15 Expert Coaching Tips to Stay Healthy This Easter and Passover

Whether you’re celebrating Easter, Passover, or both, you’re probably excited to spend time with family and friends. But let’s be honest—those big meals, sugary treats, and festive drinks can make it a little tricky to stick to your health goals. There’s no need to stress, though. With thoughtful preparation and a proactive approach, you can stay on track while embracing the celebrations. Here’s how.

5 Strategies to Hop into a Healthier Easter

To help you stay on track while still enjoying Easter festivities, our coaches rounded up five simple, actionable ways to prioritize your well-being.

1. Use Natural Dye for Eggs

Artificial dyes can be harmful to both your health and the environment. So, if you’re dyeing Easter eggs with the family, go for natural color instead. Use turmeric for yellow, red cabbage for blue, and beets for pink or red. It’s an easy, creative swap—and it might just become a new family tradition.

2. Opt for Dark Chocolate Bunnies

You don’t have to skip the beloved chocolate bunny—just give it a healthy upgrade. Go for dark chocolate with 70% cacao or more. It satisfies your sweet tooth while offering antioxidants, less added sugar, and fillers than the classic milk chocolate alternative.

3. Create a More Balanced Basket

If you and your family members gift Easter baskets, don’t overload them with candy. Make a more balanced basket by including healthier treats like dark chocolate or trail mix. Or, you can choose between other wellness-focused gifts, such as seeds for gardening, handmade bath bombs, journals, or essential oils.

4. Rethink Your Desserts

Bunny-shaped cookies and Peeps are convenient to grab at the grocery store or nearby bakery, but consider healthier options in place of these traditional, sugar-heavy desserts. Consider making carrot cake energy bites, frozen Greek yogurt popsicles, mini almond flour cupcakes, or a simple fruit salad.

5. Embrace Your Inner Bunny

Finally, when putting together appetizers for your gathering, skip the usual crackers, deli meats, and cheeses and take a cue from the Easter bunny with a fresh, veggie-forward spread. Load up on crisp baby carrots, cucumber rounds, and bell pepper strips—served with lemon herb white bean dip, classic hummus, or creamy guacamole for a vibrant, wholesome assortment.

Now, let’s look at some ways to maintain your health during Passover celebrations.

5 Strategies for a Health–Conscious Passover

Passover traditions can be both meaningful and health-conscious. With these five mindful strategies, you can honor the holiday while feeling your best.

1. Lighten Up on the Matzah

Matzah is a must for Passover, but you can keep it lighter by selecting smaller portions or whole wheat matzah for extra fiber. Pair it with healthy fats and proteins to help prevent an energy crash.

2. Embrace Bitter Herbs for Gut Health

Symbolic ingredients like horseradish and romaine lettuce can support digestion and reduce inflammation. Try adding fresh parsley, endive, or watercress to your Seder plate as additional bitter herbs. Feel free to eat them generously!

3. Lean into Lean Protein

Go for roasted or grilled proteins for your Seder plate instead of fried options, and choose skinless poultry. For a well-balanced meal, pair lean proteins with fiber-rich vegetables to elevate both flavor and nutrition.

4. Hydrate More Than Usual

Traditional Passover meals can be quite salty, so staying adequately hydrated is key. Be sure to drink plenty of water, especially if you’re enjoying wine. Additionally, consider alternating each glass of wine with a glass of water to avoid dehydration.

5. Practice Mindful Eating

Seders can be lengthy, making it easy to overeat. Rather than rushing through each course, take moments to pause and eat mindfully, tuning in to your body’s signals of fullness. If you begin to feel satisfied, take a break or eat smaller bites.

Now, let’s look at some healthy strategies you can apply to both holidays.

5 Ways to Stay Healthy During Both Celebrations

No matter which spring holiday you’re celebrating, these five strategies can help you stay healthy and energized — without missing out on the festivities.

1. Limit Alcohol

While springtime cocktails may seem fun, fruity, and light, they often hide lots of sugar and calories, and the more you drink, the more likely you are to make poor food choices. Limit your intake and drink fun mocktails instead. Serve them in cocktail glasses with festive garnishes.

2. Use Smaller Plates and Bowls

When hosting a big meal, you might be tempted to bring out larger plates to accommodate all the delicious food, but this can lead to overeating. Use smaller plates and bowls to limit your portion sizes.

3. Take a Post–meal Walk

After a big celebratory meal, take a 20-minute stroll around your neighborhood or at a nearby park. It will aid digestion and help balance blood sugar while giving you extra quality time with the family or some peaceful moments alone, depending on your preference.

4. Sip on Digestion–aiding Teas

In the evening or after a big meal, drink warm ginger or fennel tea to help your body continue digesting and reduce bloating.

5. Balance Indulgence

Lastly, remember moderation is key. You don’t have to completely give up your favorite treats—just be mindful of how much you’re really having, as calories add up quickly. And if you overdo it, don’t freak out—just get back on track the next day. The longer you stay off course, the harder it is to return to your healthy habits.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re celebrating Easter, Passover, or both, these 15 strategies will help you stay aligned with your healthy habits while still enjoying the spring festivities.

Consider working with an Arootah Health Coach for personalized and dedicated support in maintaining a healthy lifestyle all year long. Want to learn more? Schedule a complimentary, no-obligation results call.