Healthy Holiday Appetizers To Lighten Up Your Holidays
Christmas may often become a time when our waistlines endure a little stretching, but with a bit of planning, intentionality, and these delicious and healthy holiday appetizers, you’ll be able to enjoy a happy, healthy holiday season.
When entertaining, or visiting those closest to you during this festive time, try to stay on track by following these helpful tips.
1. Ciao, Bruschetta
If you’re able to find some ripe, juicy tomatoes in the middle of winter, you’re well on your way to creating a delicious, nutritious holiday snack. Chop tomatoes, drizzle with heart-healthy olive oil, minced garlic, aromatic basil and serve over thinly sliced baguette rounds. Try opting for a whole-wheat baguette for added fibre, or spreading the toast round with goat cheese and drizzling with balsamic glaze for an extra flavour punch.
This healthy holiday appetizer will serve up a healthy dose of lycopene thanks to the tomatoes, and fill your belly with healthy vegetables, too.
2. Guacamole with Crudite
It’s no secret that avocados have really grown in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. This green gem is loaded with potassium, healthy fats, and fibre, which will fill you up – the right way – so that you have less room to overindulge on sweets. Whip up a simple and easy batch of guacamole and serve in a beautiful bowl, with a side of freshly sliced vegetables to dip.
3. Lean and Mean Meatballs
Lighten up festive holiday meatballs by swapping out regular ground beef for it’s leaner counterparts; either chicken or turkey. Meatballs provide a good source of protein, and ensuring you use chicken or beef will reduce the amount of fat in each tasty treat. Try to sweeten the sauce using a reduced amount of sweetener, and opt for honey or maple syrup over white sugar.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Yes. We just said bacon. While these divine little indulgences may seem counterintuitive, dates are actually packed with fibre, among many other health benefits. Slice pitted dates down the middle, add a spoonful of goat cheese, then wrap each packet in one third of a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick, and bake on a cookie tray at 350 F until the dates have softened. These delicious treats incorporate whole foods and provide both fibre and a touch of protein from the goat cheese – much better than many alternatives.
5. Carrot Fries
Peel and slice carrots, season with cumin, salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Roast the sticks until tender and serve with a nutritious dip like tzaziki.
6. Buffalo Chicken Celery Boats
Simply pick up a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, pull chicken from bones, and toss with hot sauce in a bowl. Slice and trim celery sticks, fill with spicy chicken mix and drizzle with blue cheese dressing or crumbles of blue cheese.
7. Corn and Bean Salsa
Dice a few bell peppers and an avocado, and rinse and drain a can of black beans and corn and toss them together. Season with the juice of a lime, salt, and a spoonful of juice from a jar of banana peppers. Serve with baked tortilla chips for dipping.
Enjoy a ‘lightened up’ holiday spread this year by incorporating some of these delicious healthy holiday appetizer ideas today!
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