1. Shrimp ring – can’t go wrong with this healthy app – no breading, no deep frying, no sugar = very reasonable on the cals

2. Fruit kabobs with yogurt dip for dessert – a big hit with the little ones especially

3. Bean salsa – combine 1 can rinsed mixed beans with 1 can rinsed corn kernels, 1 chopped avocado and salsa as desired to glue the mixture together. Serve with baked tortillas for a yummy and healthy app

4. Kettle corn instead of chips or caramel corn. Pop corn kernels in a large pan with a bit of heated oil and a few teaspoons of sugar

5. Roasted chickpeas make for a crunchy and healthy treat – rinse chickpeas from the can, pat dry and add 2 tbsp oil and your choice of seasonings (i.e. garlic powder + chilli powder + cumin). Lay flat on baking tray and bake until chickpeas are dry and crunchy

6. Swap crackers for cucumber slices as a base for apps like crab dip

7. Pumpkin hummus with veggies – hummus is so easy to make from scratch and will surely impress your guests! Blend the following ingredients in a food processor until taste and consistency is as desired: Chickpeas (rinsed from can) + tahini (aka sesame seed butter) + garlic + squeeze lemon juice + pumpkin puree (canned) + salt and pepper to taste. If too thick, add a little olive oil to thin it out.

8. Butternut squash soup – serve as an appetizer in mugs and it makes for a warm, healthy appetizer that people can sip on while mingling

9. Grilled chicken kabobs with peanut sauce – grilled chicken is high in protein and low in fat. Plus, who doesn’t like eating things off a stick?

10. Offer your guests a selection of interesting herbal teas instead of the high fat/cal eggnog. Check out tea places like David’s Tea or Teopia for fun holiday blend teas. You can serve them hot or cold!

Always a party hit, tried and true

See, healthy eating during the holidays CAN happen!

Happy Holidays!

-M