Chips and Dips Get a Healthy Makeover
Skip Chips and Slim Down Dips for Healthier Party Fare
-- By Stepfanie Romine, Staff Writer
What would life be like without parties? And what's a party without great snacks? Too often, food is an afterthought to the drinks at cocktail, Super Bowl and holiday parties. What's a healthy eater to do when her only choices are a cheese ball (100 calories, 7 grams fat per serving) and crackers or a bowl of thick and creamy onion dip (60 calories, 6 grams fat per serving) with greasy potato chips? Make over your party fare with these new "chip" ideas, and slimmed down dips, which are affordable and healthy, too!
Ditch the Chips
Dig into your dip with one of these more nutritious options instead:
- Grilled chicken (or tofu) chunks
- Broccoli or cauliflower, steamed or raw
- Bite size chunks of crusty whole-grain bread
- Small whole wheat pretzels (Yes, they do exist!)
- Pita chips
- Miniature whole wheat pita breads
- Baby carrots
- Bell peppers, sliced into strips or cut into triangles (Remove top and bottom, then core peppers. Slice down center so pepper lies flat, then cut into triangles.)
- Endive leaves
- Inner leaves from Romaine lettuce
Start the party off right. Instead of rich, creamy and cheesy dips, try a lighter version of that favorite dip. And remember, one serving of dip is about 1 ounce or 2 Tablespoons—that's about the size of a pair of dice.
