Make Healthy Meals

Low-fat dip thats delicious served with cut veggies or baked pita triangles.

1 cup of sun dried tomatoes
1 cup black olives, pitted
1 teaspoon capers, drained
3 large tomatoes, chopped into small pieces
1 tablespoon fresh basil finely chopped (alternatively you can use one half teaspoon dried basil)
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Ground black pepper to taste.

Place all the ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend for approximately 1 minute. You probably dont need salt as the capers tend to be quite salty but add according to taste. Place mixture in bowl and serve. For a creamier dip add half a cup of plain, low-fat yogurt to mixture and stir.

** gluten free, dairy free.

At this time of year there are a lot of gatherings of family and friends. It’s really easy to eat too much at these gatherings. There are a lot of temptations, and it’s easy to say “It’s just one day,” day after day.

While it’s true that just one day of indulging yourself isn’t going to suddenly blast your weight sky high, the challenge at this time of year is how many “one days” there can be. You really do have to think about it.

Appetizers are one of the easy areas to overindulge, and a lot of them are very high in fat and calories. That makes it a perfect place for a little self control.

If you’re in charge of appetizers for a gathering, try adding a vegetable tray and a fruit tray. Yogurt makes a good dip for the fruits, and a reasonably low calorie dressing is good for dipping vegetables. These are at least better than many other choices for dips, or cheeses to snack on and so forth.

Pick some fairly healthy crackers, and make or buy salsa for dipping. Baked chips if you like, as these are better for you than fried one.

Popcorn can also be a lot of fun. Look around for good spice combinations for flavored popcorn, rather than just limiting yourself by buttering it or making carmel corn. There area  lot of popcorn recipes online that are fairly healthy.

All it takes is some extra thought to pick healthier foods for appetizers. There are plenty of great options that won’t make people feel like you’re not allowing them to enjoy their food. After all, the holidays should have a lot to do with fun, not just with self control.

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