GERD-Friendly Swaps for a Delicious and Joyful Easter Gathering

Easter Feast Makeover: GERD-Friendly Swaps for a Comfortable Celebration

Conquer your Easter feast fearlessly! Discover delightful swaps for classic dishes, all gentle on your stomach. Enjoy your holiday traditions without heartburn, from appetizers to desserts, and celebrate with comfort and flavor. 

Deviled Delights: Lighten Up Classic Easter Appetizers

Deviled eggs- these are traditionally made with mayonnaise and egg yolk which can sit heavy on the stomach and lead to indigestion. Opt for avocado whip inside instead of the mayo or even using Greek yogurt as the base instead. Simply making one ingredient swap significantly reduces the fat content and makes your stomach a little more tolerable to this Easter dinner delicacy!

If you’d like to skip eggs altogether and try a new fun twist for appetizers on Easter Sunday try these gluten-free stuffed mushrooms from Chelsea at The GERD Chef. They are low in fat making them GERD-friendly, and not to mention, mushrooms are a prebiotic food full of antioxidants, vitamin D, B vitamins, and selenium. 

Soothing Swaps for the Main Course: Ham Harmony Reimagined

Mix it up this year by choosing a different main entrée! Instead of ham or beef which can be higher in fat content and difficult to digest, try salmon, cod, turkey meatballs or even marinated tofu steaks. All of these options still pack great flavor and protein but sit a little lighter on your stomach. These options are surely to wow any crowd of people you may have for your Easter dinner celebration!

• Try the Sheet Pan Honey Glazed Salmon or Italian Turkey Zucchini Meatballs (omit the red pepper flakes for better tolerability) by Staci Hassing and contributors at The Real Food Dietitians
• Give Registered Dietitian Jessie Hulsey’s recipe for Steak Kabobs with Chimichurri sauce a try; just sub steak for tofu if you’d like a plant-based option

Sides Done Right: Lighter & Brighter Alternatives

Give sides a fresh new twist! Instead of the traditional sides that may sit heavy on your stomach- choose low fat options and fresh veggies to garnish your plate! These sides can also help to simplify the menu by freeing-up kitchen time where you might spend hours preparing several dishes.

Instead of reaching for traditional sides that may weigh you down, consider grilling up some fresh zucchini or squash. Simply drizzle them with a bit of olive oil, sprinkle on your favorite herbs, and season with salt and pepper before throwing them on the grill. The result? Tender, flavorful veggies that perfectly complement any main dish. For a heartier option, whip up a quick quinoa salad packed with protein and fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

And who says potato salad has to be laden with heavy mayo? Swap it out for creamy low-fat Greek yogurt instead. Not only does this simple switch add a significant boost of protein to your meal, but it also helps to balance out the carbohydrates while keeping fat content in check. With these creative and nutritious side dish ideas, you can take your meals to the next level without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. 

Desserts that Don't Disappoint: Sweet Endings without the Woes

No one wants to skip on dessert! Try making cheesecake using low-fat cream cheese and low-fat ricotta cheese or you can even use Greek yogurt- this recipe for No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake from Jessica Beacom at the Real Food Dietitians is superb and a crowd pleaser! You can also opt for desserts with oatmeal as a base like homemade oatmeal cookies or these delicious Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal Cups by Ana Ankeny at the Real Food Dietitians- all the wonderful flavors of carrot cake but with added fiber to help with digestion!

I hope that these swaps help you navigate this year’s Easter dinner spread with ease and excitement! So many wonderful ways you can add bold flavors and still enjoy some old classics!

Please share in the comments section if you have any GERD-friendly Easter recipes or tips! We value your input here at Foodguides!