Happy Easter, Feaster!
Dear Caregivers,
The coming Easter holiday is a time of deep religious significance for those of the Christian faith, but I also love how the holiday is celebrated through family, food and feasts. There are decorated hard-cooked Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies, hot-crossed buns, and an afternoon supper of spring lamb, among other traditions.
Not all of the culinary traditions began with Christianity, however. Rabbits and eggs are thought to have been incorporated from the earlier celebration of the Vernal Equinox, which marks the beginning of spring. The ancient Anglo-Saxon goddess “Eostre” took the shape of a rabbit and signified fertility, rebirth, and the Spring season.
The association of lamb with Easter comes from the representation of Jesus Christ as the “Lamb of God”, and also coincided with the availability of fresh meat after the longer winter months of the Northern Hemisphere. Lamb is also associated with the Jewish holidy of Passover, which typically takes place around the same time. Another ancient food that has worked its way into modern celebrations are hot cross buns, which have a cross of icing across their top, originally representing the four seasons, it is thought, and now representing the symbol of crucifixion and Christianity.
Eating chocolate was as much a result of science as tradition, as up until the 19th century chocolate was mostly consumed as a liquid, as in hot chocolate, only to appear in solid form after the process of making solid chocolate was refined, and creating chocolate eggs became part of the holiday celebration.
Whatever your holiday tradition, enjoy spending time with your family, and make sure you have at least one piece of chocolate! It’s been shown to improve brain health!
Here’s some other advice on eating healthily:
Common Challenges in Eating and Appetite and How to Address Them:
Here are a nutritionist’s favorite tips that caregivers can use to manage the common challenges in their loved one’s appetite and eating habits.
The Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on Appetite, Taste and Eating Habits:
Alzheimer's disease can impact various aspects of a person's health, including changes in appetite and taste. Here’s an overview of what to expect.
Six Smart Meals:
We are all used to eating 3 meals a day, but did you know it may be better to eat more often? Eating six small meals a day refuels the body with smaller amounts of energy throughout the day, thereby reducing the number of ups and downs in your energy level. Here’s a guide on how to do it.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.”
— Charles M. Schulz
