Do you usually gain weight and feel bloated and lethargic by the time Pesach is over? You are not alone.

So many people leave yom tov feeling like they must diet and exercise as soon as they can. Eating right and exercising are always important, but Pesach does not have to leave you feeling that way. Try implementing these important tips. Not only will your motzoei yom tov be different; you’ll also be more energized than ever on yom tov itself.

In general, people use lots of potatoes and potato starch over Pesach. Last year, I had a dilemma. Most of my side dish recipes involved potatoes, but my allergic nursing six-month old would become congested if I would eat even the tiniest bit of it. So I experimented with alternatives.

I discovered that other starchy vegetables, like sweet potatoes, butternut squash and carrots (squash, eggplant, and other veggies were also not good for my baby), could be tasty and filling and prepared in so many ways.

They also did not leave me with the heavy feeling of potatoes.

For flour substitutes, coconut and almond flour – both boons for the gluten-free crowd throughout the year – are great for baking cakes and cookies. Almond flour also delivers protein to your baked goods, upping both their nutrition and satisfaction factor.

Chunky or blended vegetable soups are my go-to Pesach food. Healthy, filling and nutritious, vegetable soups are easy to make and can be switched up to suit any meal. My shortcut recipe: peel and rinse whichever vegetables you’d like, put into a pot with water just to cover, bring to a boil and then simmer until all vegetables are very soft. Once it’s cooked, add salt and spices to taste. For a creamy texture, add some olive oil before you blend your soup with an immersion blender. For variety, I sometimes grate or cube the vegetables before cooking and then skip the blending step.
 

A note on the oils you’ll be using: contrary to popular belief, palm oil is not bad for you.

It is high in fat but it is a healthy fat. It is best to use it in its natural solid form instead of the refined liquid form found in most groceries. Refer to our shopping guide for information on where to buy palm oil in its solid form. I find that using palm oil in cookies gives them an excellent texture and flavor. I use olive oil for salads and light sautéing.

Pesach is also known as Chag Haaviv, the holiday of spring. In addition to varying your menu with nutrition-packed vegetables aside from potatoes, move around!

Enjoy the fresh air, the blossoms, the fragrances.

On yom tov, instead of sleeping as much as you can, get out and walk around. You will feel just as – or more – energized as you would have if you had napped. Moving circulates oxygen to the brain, making you feel rejuvenated and refreshed.

This Pesach, include a variety of vegetables and grain-free flours besides potatoes in your menu. Include healthy fats and oils. Get out and move. You’ll feel the difference.

Good luck with all your preparations. I hope they come along easily, smoothly and in high energy mode. May this Pesach be enjoyable, healthy and redeeming for everyone. I look forward to hearing how energized and healthy you feel after yom tov!

Do you usually gain weight and feel bloated and lethargic by the time Pesach is over? You are not alone.

So many people leave yom tov feeling like they must diet and exercise as soon as they can. Eating right and exercising are always important, but Pesach does not have to leave you feeling that way. Try implementing these important tips. Not only will your motzoei yom tov be different; you’ll also be more energized than ever on yom tov itself.

In general, people use lots of potatoes and potato starch over Pesach. Last year, I had a dilemma. Most of my side dish recipes involved potatoes, but my allergic nursing six-month old would become congested if I would eat even the tiniest bit of it. So I experimented with alternatives.

I discovered that other starchy vegetables, like sweet potatoes, butternut squash and carrots (squash, eggplant, and other veggies were also not good for my baby), could be tasty and filling and prepared in so many ways.

They also did not leave me with the heavy feeling of potatoes.

For flour substitutes, coconut and almond flour – both boons for the gluten-free crowd throughout the year – are great for baking cakes and cookies. Almond flour also delivers protein to your baked goods, upping both their nutrition and satisfaction factor.

Chunky or blended vegetable soups are my go-to Pesach food. Healthy, filling and nutritious, vegetable soups are easy to make and can be switched up to suit any meal. My shortcut recipe: peel and rinse whichever vegetables you’d like, put into a pot with water just to cover, bring to a boil and then simmer until all vegetables are very soft. Once it’s cooked, add salt and spices to taste. For a creamy texture, add some olive oil before you blend your soup with an immersion blender. For variety, I sometimes grate or cube the vegetables before cooking and then skip the blending step.
 

A note on the oils you’ll be using: contrary to popular belief, palm oil is not bad for you.

It is high in fat but it is a healthy fat. It is best to use it in its natural solid form instead of the refined liquid form found in most groceries. Refer to our shopping guide for information on where to buy palm oil in its solid form. I find that using palm oil in cookies gives them an excellent texture and flavor. I use olive oil for salads and light sautéing.

Pesach is also known as Chag Haaviv, the holiday of spring. In addition to varying your menu with nutrition-packed vegetables aside from potatoes, move around!

Enjoy the fresh air, the blossoms, the fragrances.

On yom tov, instead of sleeping as much as you can, get out and walk around. You will feel just as – or more – energized as you would have if you had napped. Moving circulates oxygen to the brain, making you feel rejuvenated and refreshed.

This Pesach, include a variety of vegetables and grain-free flours besides potatoes in your menu. Include healthy fats and oils. Get out and move. You’ll feel the difference.

Good luck with all your preparations. I hope they come along easily, smoothly and in high energy mode. May this Pesach be enjoyable, healthy and redeeming for everyone. I look forward to hearing how energized and healthy you feel after yom tov!