With matzah balls, brisket, kugel, flourless angel food cake, four glasses of wine and the requisite chocolates, surviving that first night seder is a big deal, even if you're not doing the cooking. Part of the problem is the first night is just the beginning. You've got seven more nights to go, without eating the dreaded chametz, as products that could conceivably contain leavening are called. Fortunately, with a little planning, you can eat healthy Passover food for the remainder of the holiday.
Tradition vs. Fat
Most traditional Passover foods are high in fat, relying upon eggs, butter, oil and sour cream. Some is used in cooking and some goes on the table. Enjoy these for your first seder. After all, it's a holiday and these are traditional. However, be prepared to shift to less protein and fat for the remainder of the holiday. Think about serving roasted chicken and some kind of fish dishes, other than gefilte fish held together with egg. Consider roasted vegetables, salads and other favorite vegetable dishes.
Carbohydrates
Part of the problem with Passover is that it is not dissimilar to most high-protein diets. Once you've excluded oats, wheat and the other grains from your diet, all you're left with is fat, protein, fruits and vegetables. If all you do is cut carbs, your diet will tend toward protein and fat; thus, forethought on carb replacement is necessary. With proper planning, you can drastically cut fat, calories and more while eating a satisfying and balanced meal. Potatoes and quinoa are perfectly respectable carbohydrate side dishes. Quinoa has won the approval of most rabbis, since it is not related to any of the forbidden foods listed in the Torah.
Breakfasts
Kosher-for-Passover breakfasts are difficult, especially if you have children. With cereal, pancakes and French toast out of the question for religious reasons and eggs eliminated because you have already eaten too much fat, the alternatives are few. Fruit and yogurt are good fallbacks as are fruit smoothies. Matzah spread with low-fat cream cheese and adorned with strawberries appeals to both adults and kids.
Soups
Soups can be a healthy, entree that adds variety to your evening meal. While many Ashkenazic Jews avoid kitniyot -- otherwise known as rice, beans and legumes -- during Passover, Sephardic Jews don't have an issue with these foods. If your tradition permits, these can add substance to soups. There's nothing unkosher about chicken gumbo with rice, lentil or green pea soup if you make them from scratch with kosher ingredients.
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