Holiday Food Watch: Appetizers

Ok, it's that time of year. Cakes, cookies, casseroles and egg nog are among us. Be careful, the oh-so-loved holiday treats could be devastating to all your hard work! Holiday season is the hardest for me because I love sweets and desserts. Actually, I think love is an understatement, I crave the sugar and holidays are the hardest. Holiday parties can be a diet downfall if you let them.

A few ways to keep your diet and goals on track are to avoid these foods and replace with a more health y option. So holiday parties are around the corner and there are bound to be finger foods everywhere. Newsweek has an article that names the top 5 finger foods to avoid.
Say NO to:

• Bacon-wrapped shrimp: Shrimp is low in calories, but the bacon is usually full-fat and drizzled with thick sauce.
• Pigs in a blanket: One of these treats is fine, maybe two but who can stop there? Avoiding them all together and replacing it with a healthier option is key.
• Quiche: Mostly with ham, bacon and cheese this holiday finger food tends to be more than just one bite. Starting at nine grams of fat and 250 calories a slice this is a tempting no-no.
• Chicken wings: breaded and fried this small wing has barely enough protein to outweigh the oil and fat that comes with it.
  
• Fruitcake: starting at about 370 calories a slice this cake should be regifted or used as the common doorstop

Replace these No foods with YES foods:

• Deviled eggs: while the yolk has the highest amount of fat in an egg, the omega 3s that are in the fat are good for your brain function and heart. Starting at about 100 calories per full egg, this is a smart choice.
• Lettuce wraps: make with extra lean beef or ground turkey this is a finger food you can eat more than two of. Four of these suckers is only 315 calories!
• Raw veggie platter: the best finger food on the table as long as you go easy on the dressing and dips
• Hummus and pita: a healthy alternative to spinach and artichoke dip this appetizer is make from chic peas which is an excellent source of protein and fiber
• Cheese and meat platter: go easy on the cheese considering it's not low-fat and pack on the lean meats: turkey and ham, salami should be your last choice.

Feel confident is going to your holiday parties that your button won't burst on your pants and you will be able to fit into that slimming dress for the rest of the season by following this holiday food appetizer guide.