Celebrate St Patrick’s Day
With Goodsnet and Skinny
St Patricks Day
St Patrick’s Day (celebrated on 17th March) honours the patron saint of Ireland and has grown into a worldwide celebration of Irish culture, complete with parades, music, and hearty meals. But if you’re watching your calorie intake, trying to lose weight, or following a Keto or low-carb lifestyle, you might be wondering if you can still join in without derailing your goals.
The good news? You absolutely can. With a few smart swaps and a little planning, you can enjoy the spirit of St Paddy’s Day while keeping your nutrition in check.
What Are Traditional St Patrick’s Day Foods?
A go-to dish on St Patrick’s Day is corned beef and cabbage. Cabbage itself is a win—it’s low in calories (just 17 per cup), high in fibre, and packed with essential nutrients.
Corned beef, on the other hand, is a bit trickier. It’s delicious but often high in fat and sodium. For a healthier twist, try using a leaner cut of grass-fed brisket, which delivers high-quality protein with less saturated fat. If you’re aiming to reduce salt, consider making your own spice blend using pink peppercorns, mustard seeds, and coriander—you’ll still get that signature flavour without the added sodium.
Another beloved Irish staple is the humble potato. While potatoes can be part of a healthy diet, they’re often high in carbohydrates. If you're looking for a more balanced option, try roasting baby potatoes with their skins on. The skin adds a boost of fibre, and roasting enhances their natural flavour without the need for heavy oils or butter.
If you’re craving something more traditional, you might be thinking about colcannon—the comforting mix of mashed potatoes and cabbage or kale. For a low-carb twist, try cauliflower colcannon, like this version by Michelle Tam. It's a great option for anyone managing their blood sugar or following a low-carb or keto diet, and it still delivers that creamy, savoury satisfaction.
Smart Swaps for St Patrick’s Day
Looking to bake your own Irish soda bread? Traditional recipes often call for white flour and sugar, but there are easy ways to make it more nutritious. Try using whole wheat flour for added fibre, and stir in a mix of seeds (like flax, chia, or sunflower) to boost protein and healthy fats.
If you’re watching your carb intake more closely, you can go one step further and make your soda bread using almond flour. It’s naturally low in carbs and still delivers a dense, hearty texture that stays true to the spirit of this Irish classic—without the blood sugar spike.
Many people add a drop of green food coloring to their beer on St. Patrick’s Day, but if you're looking for a low-calorie alternative, you can enjoy sparkling water with a splash of sugar-free mint syrup and lime, iced green tea, or a refreshing cucumber and mint-infused water.
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just about food and drink—many communities also host activities like fun runs leading up to the holiday. Participants are encouraged to wear green, and it's a great way to stay active and burn some calories while celebrating!
You could also try attending a Celtic dance class! Traditional Irish dancing can burn 500-600 calories per hour, and it’s not only a great workout but also a fun and social activity.
Celebrating Irish culture and tradition doesn’t have to mean ditching your diet goals. By making mindful choices and creative substitutions, you can enjoy all the fun and festivities of St. Patrick’s Day while staying on track with your meal plan. Sláinte!
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