Going Green for St. Patrick's Day

With all the festive green clothes, decorations and clovers on St. Patrick's Day, why not add the green color into your food?  Here are some healthy recipes that will keep you eating healthy all day long while enjoying the festivities.

This shake is a great way to start your morning or drink for a mid-morning snack!  It is packed with fresh fruit and yogurt that will give you a burst of energy!

Shamrock Smoothie

Ingredients:
6 kiwi fruit, peeled and cut into quarters
1 cup seedless green grapes
1 banana
6 ounces low-fat vanilla yogurt
1 cup orange juice
3 Tablespoons honey
1/4 cup ice

Directions:

1. Add all the ingredients to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. If texture is too smooth add a few more ice cubes.
4. Pour into glasses and garnish with kiwi fruit slices.

Green Pizza

Ingredients:

1 prepared whole-wheat pizza dough

2 cups broccoli, chopped

1/4 cup water

5 ounces arugula, chopped and stems removed

1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

2 Tablespoons olive oil 

1 teaspoon garlic, minced

Pinch of salt

Freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Place oven rack in lowest position.  Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.  Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Add water and chopped broccoli to skillet and cover.  Let cook for about 3 minutes or until broccoli is tender.
3. Add arugula and cook by stirring for about 1-2 minutes or until wilted.  Season with salt and pepper.
4. Mix olive oil and garlic together and spread over prepared pizza crust.
5. Top with broccoli and arugula mixture.  Sprinkle with cheese.
6. Bake until crispy and golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Don't forget to try fun activities with the kids too!   With all the delicious festive dishes, remember to include physical activity on St. Patrick's Day!  Below are some fun ways to increase physical activity with the entire family.

St. Patrick's Day Scavenger Hunt

This scavenger hunt is a great way to add physical activity with the entire family!  Using outdoor objects is a quick and inexpensive way to create the game!

Look for:

1 long branch

1 leaf from a tree

1 spring flower

1 four-leaf clover

An usual shaped rock

Four-leaf  Clover Squats

These squats only take 5 minutes and can be done just about anywhere!  They are especially great to do during a commercial break.

1. Stand with feet should width apart.
2. Bend until your legs are at a 90-degree angle.
3. Slowly straighten your legs to a standing position.
4. Repeat this motion 12 times.  Do 3 sets!