Nearing the end of the Holy period, my Instagram feed is cropping up temptations aplenty. From White & Dark Chocolate coated bunnies and decorated eggs to Minion shaped marzipan ones, each has me impatiently counting down the days till Easter Sunday. During this period of abstinence, many friends around gave up the consumption of eggs as part of the diet and it got me thinking about the historical significance of the Easter egg also known as Paschal eggs. Did you know? Eggs, in general, were a traditional symbol of fertility and rebirth, in Christianity, for the celebration of Eastertide, Easter eggs symbolize the empty tomb of Jesus, from which Jesus resurrected. Quite fascinating. One ancient tradition was the staining of Easter eggs with the colour red “in memory of the blood of Christ, shed as at that time of his crucifixion. This custom of the Easter egg can be traced to early Christians of Mesopotamia, and from there it spread into Russia and Siberia through the Orthodox Churches, and later into Europe through the Catholic and Protestant Churches.

 Speaking of history- I have my own history with eggs, not the Easter kind but the white ones with the ‘yucky yolk’ in the middle. I wouldn’t say a bad one but rather an unpleasant one. For the longest time I was harangued for leaving the yolk on my plate and at times subjected to be force-fed. Then as I grew older armed with half baked knowledge of the perpetual medical debate of cholesterol and how the ‘yolk’ was bad for you, had a bitter sweet remedial victory to the likes of “I told you so” to said authority. Memories are made of collective experiences and this had me stray far away from the goodness of protein found in them.  

 However eggs have been gradually shedding their bad reputation and gaining in popularity among health-minded eaters of all persuasions, from egetarians to protein-seeking athletes. Most experts now agree that eating eggs in moderation-up to one whole egg per day- doesn’t increase heart disease risk in healthy people.

 I am of the firm belief that mixing things up and eating a variety of foods is the best way to ensure you’re getting enough of all the vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function optimally. So it pays to alternate egg dishes with other healthy options, like fiber-packed oatmeal or yogurt with fresh fruit and nuts. Eggs are high in protein, which appeals to people looking for morning meals that have staying power. But there are plenty of other breakfast-friendly foods that accomplish the same end: Yogurt, soy and cow’s milk, beans, nuts, seeds, and certain whole grains like quinoa all deliver a nice hit of protein in a naturally nutrient-dense package. Here are a few egg free breakfast hacks for the busy bee in you.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal- This is my all time favourite, just for the peanut butter that adds dimension to the meal. Cook 1/2-cup oats with 1-cup soymilk, and stir in up to 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter. This serving gives you for 21 grams of protein!!!!

White Bean-Avocado Toast- Mash 1/4 of a ripe avocado with 1/2-cup white beans plus fresh herbs if you so desire, and spread over a hearty slice of toasted whole-grain bread. Prep time- 5 minutes and throws in 14 grams of protein.

Banana Bread Smoothie- A simple blending of 2 cups Soy Milk ¼ cup Walnuts, 2 large, very ripe Bananas, 1 tsp pure Vanilla Essence, 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon, 3-4 seedless Dates, a dash of Sea Salt and 2 handfuls of Ice and voila that’s 35 grams of protein in ten minutes.

As for self, I know what the near future holds in the form of sweets and meats galore. Here is the big question plaguing me- What size of the egg shall I buy? Will it be Chocolate- the way it was in 1873 when J.S.Fry & Sons introduced the first chocolate Easter egg in Britain or would it be the Minion shaped Marzipan eggs with semblance to the ones I tasted in the Philippines ‘mazapan de pili’, all those years ago from ‘pili’ nuts? 

Heres wishing you all a Happy & Joyous Easter ahead!!

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