Spring is finally here! Springtime holidays can be difficult to navigate with the abundance of chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, marshmallow chicks, and candy eggs available at the grocery store and in every break room.

Whether you’re trying to keep your blood sugar in check or just want to keep things more balanced this year, here are our tips for celebrating spring without the sugar crash.

An eggscellent tradition

Instead of filling plastic eggs with candy, embrace decorating your own hard-boiled eggs! You can use store-bought dyes or make your own natural dyes from foods. If the eggs are kept refrigerated after dyeing, you can even include them in your balanced meal or snack.

When it comes to Easter egg hunts, don’t let the kids have all the fun! Tag along and help out with the search for eggs. It’s an easy way to increase your daily step count that doesn’t come around that often.

Springtime blooms

Spring is a great time to think about flowers. Bouquets are a thoughtful gift that won't add to your loved ones' candy drawer. If you’re not sure what flowers are in season, check out this guide on what’s typically available. You can also gift live plants if they have a nice garden or potted herb plants if flowers aren’t up their alley. Kids can also get in on the fun and decorate some spring themed pots!

Refresh your holiday eats

If you want to keep the traditional ham or lamb for dinner, think about using low-carb springtime veggies as inspiration for side dishes. More adventurous veggies include dandelion greens or pea greens but you can always stick with some delicious asparagus!

Brunch more up your alley? You can add those veggie sides to your brunch dishes, too. If you’re feeding a crowd, a veggie filled frittata is sure to please. 

Better buns

Hot cross buns are sweet rolls that are typically eaten on Good Friday and Easter. If Easter wouldn’t be the same without a hot cross bun, include them in a balanced meal as your starchy carbs on your Brook Healthy Plate. Here’s a great recipe to make sure your own version with more whole grains and a little less sugar.

Sweet treats

Still looking for something sweet? Fresh fruit is starting to make an appearance again, so take advantage and use it to make a yummy dessert! Strawberries and rhubarb are a classic combo and the fruit really shines in these strawberry rhubarb crumble bars. Don't let fruit have all the fun - veggies can make great desserts, too. This carrot cake is sure to be a crowd favorite!