St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and being a good portion Irish, I enjoy this particular holiday. Although it started as a religious holiday celebrating St. Patrick, one of the patron saints of Ireland, it has become much more of a celebration of Irish culture and… beer. I always feel conflicted regarding how our society celebrates St. Patrick’s Day – mostly the part about overindulging in green libations. Although alcohol does have a place in the diet, and indeed, does have nutritional benefits, drinking in excess is not healthful and seems to have become the way to celebrate in America. I plan to celebrate responsibly, meaning I’m going to take care of my body while commemorating the holiday.

Already, I have a couple of events to attend and of course they involve drinking, early and often. I like the way my body feels when I eat well; so, I have a plan. I will still partake in the green foods, although not necessarily artificially colored green beers poured in excess. Nutritious green foods – leafy green vegetables and fruit, such as cabbage, spinach, and green Anjou and Bartlett pears – are going to be my celebratory foods of choice. Not only are they delicious, but I won’t regret indulging the next day. My Irish contribution is going to be soda bread, a favorite from childhood that my mother made every St. Patrick’s Day, but instead of raisins I’m going to craft it with pears. It can be made with dried pears when baked or fresh pears may be sliced on top. I will probably still have a beer or two, but why would I want to dampen my taste buds when I have such a delectable treat waiting for me? Let’s celebrate responsibly!