If you find yourself in a situation where you need to prepare appetizers for a special occasion, but also want to stay on track with your health and wellness goals, then this blog post is for you!
Here are 17 secrets to making appetizers that feel like treats yet keep your health goals on track:
- Invest in an air fryer – it’s the perfect way to make healthier versions of fried favorites without using large amounts of oil.
- Replace some of the fat and carbs with veggies – this way you get nutrition plus flavor without sacrificing either!
- Try out some new spices – they can help give any dish an exciting flavor boost without extra calories or fat.
- Showcase fruits and vegetables – they add texture and color while keeping snacks light and nutritious!
- Make your own dip – hummus, Greek yogurt-based dips, avocado mixtures, etcetera – all these make delicious dips that won’t set back your diet too much!
- Bake instead of fry – baking is a healthier option than deep frying; try out different recipes for oven baked French fries/chips/veggie chips etcetera!!
- Swap out white rice for quinoa or other whole grains – adds nutty flavor plus packs fiber which helps us feel fuller longer!!
- Choose leaner proteins – grilled chicken & fish are great sources of protein & contain less saturated fats compared other meats!!
- Use whole wheat flour as base ingredient when baking – it’s packed nutrients compared regular flour!!
- Incorporate healthy fats into dishes by adding nuts & seeds – almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds etcetera provide crunchy texture and add more wow-factor to plate!!
- Make use fresh herbs which provide amazing depth flavor while cutting down salt levels at same time!!
- Use various colors when assembling dishes – colorful snacks are eye-catching and tasty without needing piles calories!!
- Roast veggies instead boiling them – roasting helps bring more natural flavors out foodstuffs plus helps reduce amount water content too!!
- Don’t forget experiment with plant-based proteins if looking vegan options– chickpeas, lentils etcetera give great taste textures to recipes!!
- Layer flavors together – combining foods like hummus with roasted bell peppers or chopped avocado with salsa verde both work well!!
- Opt for lighter dressings such homemade vinaigrettes over creamy sauces mayonnaise-based ones; letting ingredients speak its own beauty is way go here!!
- Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different food combinations – mixing up meals keeps things interesting so find what works you best!