4 Ideas for a Healthier, Happier Mother's Day

May 13, or Mother’s Day, is an opportunity for us to honor our mothers for all they’ve done, and it’s also the perfect time to just celebrate life with your family. A big shout out to all of the hard-working, patient, forgiving and understanding mommies out there. I’d like to share with you some healthy ways you can celebrate Mother’s Day this year.

Eat Healthy Together

This signifies unity and is a great way to socialize, especially on special occasions like Mother’s Day. It can sometimes be used as an excuse to eat favorite, non-healthy foods as well, but moms: let’s be role models for our families and ask that Mother’s Day be a healthier one.

If brunch is your choice, there are a lot of foods that can throw you off track calorie-wise. Here are some healthier options to choose from at a brunch buffet:

Eggs or omelets (preferably egg whites, if made to order is an option)
Lean protein, like turkey bacon, turkey sausage or lean ham
Freshly-squeezed orange juice
Low-sugar yogurt or cottage cheese
Fruits and vegetables
Oatmeal, sans the sugary toppings

If you are cooking brunch at home, try out some of these healthier takes on classic recipes:

Picnic in the Park

If you decide to do a picnic lunch (my favorite), here are some healthy choices to pack up for mom on her special day:

Whole grain chips and salsa or hummus
Veggies with some dip (non-fat sour cream mixed with dry ranch packet)
Caprese Salad
Chicken or steak kabobs – add any vegetable you desire
Lean hamburgers or turkey dogs on whole wheat buns
Whole wheat pasta salad with lots of veggies and a non or low-fat Italian dressing
Potato salad with veggies and a light or reduced calorie mayo (add some mustard for extra flavor and less calories)
Angel food cake with fresh strawberries and lite or non-fat Cool Whip
Sugar free Jell-O with fresh fruit and lite or non-fat Cool Whip

Whether it’s a picnic or a nice meal at home, use this time to start a new tradition and do some sort of activity before and/or after you eat. My family and I have gone to the zoo for picnics to celebrate Mother’s Day – we eat and then walk around for a bit. We get to talk and burn calories all at the same time – it’s such fun!

Indoor Fun for the Family

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, keep these activities in mind – you can even coordinate contests or challenges with the whole family for some:

Twister
Charades
Dance
Hula Hoop
Limbo
Wii, or other video gaming system, competition
Cook together

Show Me the Love

Mother’s Day may include some special presents for mom, and a healthy gift lets her know that you want her to be around for many years to come. Here are some healthy gift ideas for this year: