Dyeing the Chicago River green may not look “healthy,” but since 1996, they’ve been using a fairly environmentally friendly veggie-based dye. Photo by Steve Hardy.
Is there such a thing as a healthy St. Patrick’s Day? Turns out this green-tinged holiday could be better for you than you think.
That’s assuming, of course, you don’t skip out of work early to spend half a day sloshing plastic cupfuls of overpriced crappy beer made magically more palatable by the fact that it’s green.
Here a couple of healthy St. Patrick’s Day ideas instead (or at least mostly healthy). And some them may surprise you.
Photo by Vancity Allie
Eat Green
Rather than adding food dye to your drinks and food, how about pureed spinach? Works for soups, shakes, pizza, enchiladas, pasta, sauces, casseroles, breads, and even french toast, hummus, and crab cakes.
Convince the kids it’s a fun holiday tradition. You don’t have to tell them you’re sneaking in veggies, too. (That will be our little secret.)
Photo by Darin Salerno
Drink Guinness
Some Irish hospitals reportedly give it to patients. My own pediatrician “prescribed” for me to drink it after Szaba was born.
So what are the health claims?
- Helps new mom’s lactate.
- Wards off heart attacks.
- Maintains good eye sight.
- Protects against impotence.
Sure, some of those claims have yet to be 100% proven, but the facts are:
- It has less alcohol, calories, and carbohydrates than Budweiser, Heineken, and many other light beers.
- It has fewer calories and carbohydrates than low-fat milk and orange juice.
So drink up … to your health!
Photo by Sugar Daze
Make a Guinness Dessert
If it’s so good for you, then all those health benefits should help balance a few sinful carbs, right?
Here are some ideas to inspire your sweet tooth.
Happy Guinness- and green-filled weekend, everyone. Cheers! (And for the love of the Irish, stay away from the green beer.)
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