The dictionary definition of appetizer is a food or drink that stimulates the appetite and is usually served before a meal. For a Trim and Tasty take on dips and appetizers, try keeping the original intention of appetizers in mind: that is, to stimulate the appetite, not ruin it.
- Take a plate.
Rather than standing next to the buffet of appetizers and grazing, make a little plate for yourself and move away. You can always come back for more, but chances are you'll get to chatting with someone, which will help keep consumption in check.
- Go retro.
When preparing appetizers, take your cue from what might have been served at a swanky party from the Mad Men era, when the ladies and gents were saving their calories for cocktails. Think colorful platters of crudités, shrimp cocktail with a kicky cocktail sauce, and creamy deviled eggs.
- Try a different chip.
There are healthier alternatives to store-bought chips if you are willing to be a little creative. Pita bread cut into slices and warmed in the oven are great for dipping. Also, don't forget those crudités – they're crunchy, savory, healthy and won't break off in the dip bowl.
- Add a different chip.
When blended with olive oil, canned beans become incredibly creamy, so play around with different bean, herb and acidic combinations. For example, try making hummus with chickpeas, olive oil, garlic and lots of lemon. Or use white beans, olive oil, cilantro, garlic and lime juice for a Latin flavored dip. You won't miss the sour cream and onion a bit.
- Commercial time = snack time.
Watching sports on TV goes hand in hand with dips and appetizers, but the excitement of the big game may cause us to eat more chips than we would normally allow ourselves. Try putting down your plate during the action and only allowing yourself to nosh during commercial breaks, so you can actually enjoy and pay attention to what you're eating.