Nothing says St. Patrick’s Day like a table full of festive Irish-themed treats. And luckily, you can still indulge in all of the staple sweets and snacks inherent to this Irish holiday without worrying about falling off the weight loss wagon.
Check out these 11 delicious Irish-themed recipes and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in slim-down style:
1. Pot of Gold St. Patrick’s Day Shake >
Every St. Patrick’s Day, it begins: The commercials and advertisements for the season’s quintessential minty shake start flooding your TV, radio and social media channels. You know the shake we’re talking about: It’s got fat-packed vanilla soft serve blended with a super sugary syrup and topped with whipped topping. Tasty? Maybe. But it comes at a cost. A medium shake clocks in at calories and a whopping 78 grams of sugar. Not exactly diet-friendly. Skip the fat trap, and opt instead for our deliciously creamy shake that’s got all the minty flavor of the Irish-themed treat without all the calories and sugar. It’s a delicious way to celebrate the season without compromising your weight loss goals. Get the recipe here >
2. Irish “Potato” Pancakes >
This healthier take on a traditional Irish treat is so unbelievably tasty, you’re going to want to make it all year-long. The pancake batter consists of clean, whole ingredients like cottage cheese, eggs, oats, vanilla extract, cinnamon and baking powder, and the drool-worthy cream cheese drizzle is a creamy combination of Neufchatel cheese, Greek yogurt, skim milk and stevia extract. And, as if these flavorful combinations aren’t enough to satisfy your pancake itch, you’ll top your Irish “Potato” Pancakes with sweet shredded coconut. Seriously… yum.
3. Pot O’ Gold Fruit Tray >
This festive, Irish-themed treat isn’t just completely adorable, it’s totally healthy, too! Featuring a colorful combo of strawberries, cantaloupe, pineapple, kiwi, blueberries and grapes, this flavorful favorite is made even sweeter thanks to the creamy fruit dip “cloud” comprised of Greek yogurt and light whipped topping. And, not to be forgotten, potassium-packed banana “coins” complete this beautiful fruit tray that makes a great dish to bring to parties and get-togethers this time of year (or any!).
4. Irish Soda Bread >
Thought carbs were a no-no when you’re trying to lose weight and eat healthy? Think again! Made with whole wheat flour, unsweetened vanilla almond milk and a few other easy ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, this soft and hearty Irish bread is so delicious, you’ll forget it’s also diet-friendly. Our favorite part? Biting into the soft and juicy raisins that pepper this carb-lovers’ favorite.
5. Irish Flag Fruit & Yogurt Parfait >
Pay homage to the Irish flag with this adorable little treat that’s packed with flavor thanks to sweet kiwis and mandarin oranges, plus plain Greek yogurt. This portable pick doesn’t just dish out a ton of tastiness and visual appeal, it’s also loaded with body-boosting nutrients like protein, fiber and vitamin C.
6. Skinny Irish Colcannon >
A staple Irish dish traditionally made by combining mashed potatoes and kale (or cabbage), with milk or cream, butter, salt and pepper, Colcannon isn’t exactly diet-friendly. But it’s so tasty and such a classic, that it wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without it. So we concocted this skinny version, which replaces the potatoes with cauliflower (trust us, you won’t even notice!), and subs in fat-free milk for the full fat versions. It’s creamy, delicious and totally guilt-free!
7. Corned Beef & Cabbage Soup >
This classic dish screams Irish comfort food. But unlike more conventional versions, which tend to be loaded with fat and calories, this version goes a little lighter by loading up the veggies and including super lean beef. Warm, hearty and full of flavor, it’s no wonder this delicious Irish staple is a favorite at St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
8. Irish Potatoes >
One bite of these tasty treats and you’ll wonder why Irish Potatoes are only reserved for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Made with creamy Neufchatel cheese, Greek yogurt, coconut oil, liquid Stevia, shredded coconut, vanilla extract and cinnamon, these guilt-free gems are bursting with the classic flavors you expect from Irish Potatoes, but spare you the sugar, fat and calories that come with conventional options. Word to the wise: Whip up a big batch―the family is definitely going to want in on the delicious action.
9. Shamrockin’ Tea Sandwiches >
Trust us: These Irish Tea Sandwiches are going to sham-rock your world! Loaded with healthy ingredients and jam-packed with fabulous flavor, these adorable treats will have your taste buds dancing (an Irish jig!). Whip up a batch to share with the family this St. Patrick’s Day, but be sure to set a few aside for yourself since these delightful sandwiches will fly off the plate.
10. Skinny Mint Chocolate Brownie Bites >
The classic combo of chocolate and mint comes together in this mouthwatering snack that dishes out all the texture and flavor you expect from your sweet treats, without the excess calories, fat and sugar. The recipe makes 24 melt-in-your-mouth servings, which means you’ll have enough to share, But we promise not to tell if you opt to hide these in the back of your fridge so you can have them all to yourself… they’re just that tasty!
11. Spinach Dip With Shamrock Tortilla Chips >
Enjoy chips and dip on a healthy diet by making a few simple ingredient swaps that will leave this flex snack crispy, creamy and bursting with flavor. Spinach Dip With Shamrock Tortilla Chips gets a little help from spinach wraps to keep this snack as festive as possible! Your creativity can be tested in the kitchen (or you can just use a cookie cutter!) by shaping several shamrocks to create the tortilla chips. Bursts of flavor from garlic and dill give this creamy spinach dip the kick it needs. Enjoy this Nutrisystem-approved snack as you Irish dance your way to weight loss!
Did you tune in to our Facebook Live Saint Paddy’s Day Special? Here are the official rules for our Pot of Gold Giveaway >
The post Kiss Me, I’m Healthy! 11 St. Patrick’s Day Treats You Don’t Have to Be Irish to Love appeared first on The Leaf.
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