Body Focus - Total Body Wellness System

What are appetizers anyway?

They are the small sampling of food before the meal to keep everyone from starving when you aren’t quite ready for them to eat. You might not think of serving them at Thanksgiving, but there are many healthy reasons why you need to give it a second thought. 
   

• Serve a fruit bowl – We all have a sweet tooth. But, did you know that you can satisfy it with natural sweetness instead of gooey chocolate fare? Place a bowl of dried fruits on your coffee table. When the guests are watching television they can also have a sweet snack. As an appetizer, use a bowl of fresh fruit. Place a bowl of whipped topping (low fat of course) next to it so they think they are getting a sinful first course.
 
• Bruschetta – Olive oil is good for your body. With this little appetizer, the family can top their bread with olives, chopped tomatoes, cheese or just dip it into some flavored olive oil. Bruschetta is small enough that you can indulge a little but without hurting the waistline.
 
• Crackers – Use small Ritz crackers, saltines or even round wheat ones to serve a variety of cracker toppers: reduced fat cheddar cheese, shrimp and cream cheese, tomato and cheese, turkey and onion, cream cheese and cucumber or other combinations that you like.
 
• Vegetable tray – If you place a bowl of ranch dressing in the center, they will eat it up. Just don’t tell them that it was homemade dressing with lower fat ingredients. Grazing on vegetables is okay so your guests won’t feel guilty.
 
• Trail mix – Create your own with pretzels, nuts, mini crackers, even chocolate pieces if you want them. People can scoop out a handful and eat as they mingle and reminisce with others. It is a healthy way to partially fill their bellies before dinner.
 
• Salsa and chips – This may not be the usual Thanksgiving fare, but you can start a new tradition. Making your own tortilla chips out of corn tortillas is a good beginning. This way, your chips are healthier and homemade salsa has just that kick that people love.

Appetizers are one way to keep hungry people from storming the kitchen. But, you can also make it healthier for them so that they have a Thanksgiving to remember - but not because their clothes didn’t fit the next day. 

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