Pot o' Fruit!

Top of the morning (or afternoon) to ya - and Happy Early St. Patrick's Day!  If you're heading to any St. Patty's Day parties,  you might be looking for a simple dish to bring that won't spoil your week of nutritious and delicious eating.  Here it is (and it doesn't require green food coloring):

Irish Fruit Salad

1 Honeydew Melon

5-10 Kiwis

1-2 Bushels of Green Grapes

Green Apples (optional: if sitting out too long they will brown)

Get yourself a fun bowl and add this green delight to the table of party favors.  It's a classic, with a special St. Patty's Day twist!

If corned beef and cabbage is on the menu at all this weekend (a traditional Irish-American dish - and one of my favorites), here's a few tips to maximize it's nutritional punch:

*Corned beef can be brine-preserved, which means it will have a grayish color, and contains much more sodium than corned beef that has a pink color - so opt for the pink beef if purchasing it at the store (or ask restaurants what they are serving).

*Although the dish is usually referred to as corned beef and cabbage, you don't only have to use cabbage - carrots, onions, green beans, and potatoes go amazingly well with this dish.  

*If making a sandwich: use whole grain bread, reduced-fat white cheese (swiss is my favorite), and mustard (0 calories!).

Nutrition facts:  Corned beef is an excellent source of protein (a serving can have almost 50 g of protein!).  That being said, it is best to eat on occasion and in moderation.  It has a high saturated fat content, calorie count, and cholesterol contribution.  So treat yourself if it's a favorite, but keep it just that - a treat.


For the holiday - and Boondock Saints fans: The Blood of Cuchulainn (Boondock Theme Song) - Mychael Danna