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.

Smart Advice For The Holidays

I was sitting in Spin class this morning and during the workout glanced up to the whiteboard behind the instructor.  There was a quote on the board that I decided was perfect advice for the holidays.  "The holidays are about moderation, not deprivation."  Remember that as you get ready to celebrate Christmas and New Years.  You don't have to go without, you don't have to miss out on all of your favorite treats.  Just remember it is all about moderation.  Eat one cookie instead of 5, have one little piece of fudge instead of the entire pan.  You can do it, just remember moderation!!