Healthy Party Foods

It's that time of year where your work, school, neighborhood, church, friends and family are all throwing parties. That means tons of good food, probably lots of unhealthy food and the opportunity to completely ruin your healthy habits. Now you don't have to starve, just use self control and only have a little taste of the not so healthy items. If you are helping throw one of these parties or have been asked to bring something, here are some good healthy options!

Bruschetta:  Now italian bread doesn't have much nutritional value, but when you top it with a delicious mixture of tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and basil you now have a great appetizer. Tomatoes contain lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant to help ward off cancer and heart disease. There are lots of healthy fats and those healthy fats actually help your body to absorb some of the nutrients from the tomatoes.

Salsa: If you are given a choice of dip options, salsa really should be the one you pick every single time. It's main ingredients-tomatoes, peppers and lime-are full of vitamins A and C, loaded with fiber and are super low-calorie.

Fruit & Cheese: Women require 1000mg of calcium per day, which gives you an even better reason to hang out by the cheese platter. One or two good sized cheddar chunks will give you about 120mg but they do add up in the fat and calorie department so don't go too crazy. Hard cheeses like cheddar yield more calcium-and calories-than soft cheese like brie or goat. For fruit load up on strawberries, kiwis or pineapple for an extra dose of Vitamin C and an immunity boost.

Accordian Potatoes

I love potatoes, I am an Idaho girl so I grew up eating them practically every day.  At Christmas time potatoes are loaded with butter, cream and cheese and are definitely not healthy!  This potatoes have incredible flavor and are really satisfying.  Make them with vitamin rich red potatoes.  Red potatoes are creamier than russets and lower in starch.  Put these on your Christmas menu this year, every one will love them!

 Accordian Potatoes

 8 large (8 ounces each) red potatoes 
2 tablespoon(s) extra virgin olive oil 
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt 
1/4 teaspoon(s) coarsely ground black pepper 
1 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh parsley leaves 
1 teaspoon(s) chopped fresh thyme leaves

 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Carefully slice each potato thinly without cutting all the way through. 

 

Place potatoes on microwave-safe dish and cover with waxed paper. Cook in microwave on High 12 to 15 minutes or until easily pierced with tip of knife. 

 

Transfer potatoes to metal baking pan. Carefully drizzle oil between slices. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 tea­spoon coarsely ground black pepper. Roast in oven 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer potatoes to platter; sprinkle with herbs.

 

270 Calories; 4g fat; 6g protein

 

Source:  Good Housekeeping