The holiday season is all about giving, and you never want to show up to a party empty handed. The benefits are two fold: your host will love you, and you know you’ll have some lower calorie options you can stick to no matter what’s on the menu. Bring one of the following quick and easy, low calorie holiday recipes to your next get together and enjoy yourself, guilt-free.
Noshes and Nibbles
Appe-teasers are simple to prepare and simple to eat, making them great for informal cocktail parties. Look for recipes high in protein to keep you full for hours, like our gal Oprah’s favorite meatballs and stick to lower calorie variations of your favorite traditionally high fat, high calorie dips.
Cottage Cheese Dip with Veggies
Steamed Artichokes with Red Pepper Dip
Sweet Treats
These healthy desserts and bites will satisfy any sweet tooth. Serve on a festive platter or in a holiday tin and you have the perfect hostess gift.
Pomegranate Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark
Hasselbeck Holiday Apple Crisp
Holiday Oatmeal Cookies in a Jar
A Little Bubbly
You can still get your buzz on without loading up on empty calories. Just remember: in general, champagne and wine have fewer calories than liquor, and liquor has fewer calories than beer. Sticking to the first two, along with low calorie mixers, will keep your calories in check. Alternate with glasses of water to slow you down and keep you hydrated, so you don’t end up telling your boss how you really feel.