Keto with Kimberly

Easter is a time for celebration, family, and let’s be honest—a whole lot of tempting food.  I will be heading to my parents’ house for Easter dinner and there will be plenty of tempting food choices since my mom is an excellent cook. Luckily, her deviled eggs are by far the best I have ever eaten, and her recipe is keto-friendly!

From chocolate bunnies to honey-glazed ham and buttery rolls, it can feel like a keto disaster waiting to happen. But don’t worry—you can absolutely enjoy Easter without falling off the keto wagon.

With a little planning, some creative swaps, and a strong mindset, you can savor the holiday and stay in ketosis. Here’s how to do it:

1. Plan Ahead Like a Pro: If you’re attending an Easter gathering or hosting one yourself, the best thing you can do is prepare.

Bring your own dishes. Whether it’s a keto-friendly dessert or a low-carb casserole, showing up with food you can eat takes the guesswork out of the meal. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce others to how delicious keto can be.

Have snacks on hand. Easter egg hunts and socializing can leave you hungry and surrounded by sugary treats. Bring deviled eggs, meat and cheese roll-ups, or keto trail mix to keep your energy up and cravings down.

2. Make Smart Swaps: Easter doesn’t have to mean giving up all the fun treats—it just means getting a little creative.

Chocolate Treats: Choose sugar-free or stevia-sweetened chocolates. You can even make your own chocolate fat bombs shaped like Easter eggs using silicone molds. (Click here for a quick and easy recipe).

Easter Desserts: Instead of sugar-filled cakes and pies, whip up a keto cheesecake, low-carb carrot cake muffins, or coconut macaroons made with almond or coconut flour and keto sweeteners.

Dinner Rolls: Swap out carb-loaded bread for almond flour biscuits or “fathead dough” rolls made with mozzarella, almond flour, and eggs. They’re just as satisfying and way lower in carbs.

3. Modify Traditional Easter Dishes: You don’t have to skip the classics—you just need to make them keto-friendly.

Glazed Ham: Skip the sugary glaze and go with a sugar-free mustard, herb crust, or a keto-approved marinade.

Veggie Sides: Pass on the potatoes and go for roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, cheesy cauliflower mash, or asparagus wrapped in prosciutto.

Deviled Eggs: These are a keto favorite and a perfect Easter snack. Make a batch with avocado or bacon bits for extra flavor and fat.

4. Keep Your Mindset in Check: The holidays are about more than just food. Staying keto doesn’t mean you’re missing out—it means you’re prioritizing your health and goals.

Focus on connection: Use the day to enjoy time with loved ones, make memories, and reflect on the season’s meaning.

Practice grace: If you do indulge in a bite of something off-plan, don’t beat yourself up. One moment won’t undo all your progress—just get back on track with your next meal.

5. Make It Fun and Festive—Keto Style: Keto doesn’t have to be boring during the holidays. Here are a few fun ways to keep the celebration festive:

Keto Egg Hunt: Instead of filling plastic eggs with candy, use non-food prizes like stickers, small toys, or coins. You can also use sugar-free treats like mini dark chocolate squares or individually wrapped keto snacks.

Themed Meals: Go all out with a spring-inspired keto brunch! Think asparagus frittata, berry chia pudding, and cucumber mint water served in mason jars.

6. Have a Post-Easter Plan: If you’re worried about temptation lingering after the holiday, get ahead of it:

Send leftovers home: Keep only what fits your plan and offer guests any off-limits goodies to take home.

Meal prep: Have a few easy keto meals ready to go for the week after Easter so you’re not scrambling to get back on track.

Hydrate and reset: Drink plenty of water and get a good night’s sleep. A short fast or a day of super clean keto eating can help you bounce back fast if you did indulge a bit.

Easter doesn’t have to derail your keto journey. With a little planning, smart swaps, and a positive mindset, you can stay on track and still enjoy your Easter holiday with family and friends!

Remember: Keto is not about perfection—it’s about consistency. So, celebrate, enjoy, and stick to your goals without sacrificing the spirit of the season.

Note: You can find some of the recipes mentioned in this blog post on my website, ketowithkimberly.com, or in my book, Keto Confidence: Recipes, Reflections, and Information!