Appetizers… the meal before the meal.
Perhaps this tradition began because it’s customary to offer your guests a little something to tide them over before the main course is served. If people are having drinks, there should be a little sustenance to help absorb the alcohol and settle the tummy.
The thing is, appetizers shouldn’t compete with the main course in terms of calories and richness of what’s being served. We can easily consume an entire meal’s worth of calories, protein, carbs and fat in one appetizer hour if we’re not careful. Then by the time dinner is served, we are on the path to eating double or even triple the sustenance that our bodies need for optimum fuel and nutrition.
With the holidays around the corner, this is a topic I need help with! I love Appetizers!
Are Appetizers Sabotaging Your Weight Loss Goal? Tips for Making Better Choices
So what are good choices for the appetizer table?
Think sliced veggies, a fresh salad, a few different dips based in healthy protein – baba ghanoush, hummus, and yogurt-based dips are good ones to try.
Small amounts of cheese and fruit are okay, but be aware of how many cheese snacks you’re putting away because the fat calories in cheese add up fast.
A light soup also works as a healthy appetizer. But be aware, some soups eat as a meal. So be sure to be selective in what types of soups you offer to your family or guests as a starter to the main course. A light pureed veggie soup, smooth cucumber soup, spinach and potato or other light soup can work nicely before a serving of meat.
Just keep everything in balance. If your soup has potato in it, then that’s your carb so you should focus on eating green veggies and protein as a main course, and skip the mashed potato.
Learning to avoid overeating is definitely something of a balancing act. I learned that I have to pay attention to everything I eat. Mindless grazing is where I get in trouble!
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.