Healthy Party Snacks
Healthy Party Snacks
Holiday gatherings are filled with your favorite people and often, many tempting sweet and salty snacks that can leave you feeling bloated and thirsty. As a Registered Dietitian and the Healthy Grocery Girl® I am asked a lot this time of year, “What healthy options should I bring to and / or eat at a holiday party?” Today I share with you my favorite QUICK, healthy and affordable party snack ideas for a happy and healthy holiday season!
1. Olives
Green, black or stuffed with garlic, olives are delicious and healthy! Olives are rich in iron, fiber and copper as well as beautifying and anti-aging antioxidants!
2. Whole Wheat Crackers and Hummus
Whole-wheat crackers contain fiber, which helps to slow digestion, and keep you feeling full and satisfied. Spread a protein satisfying bean dip such as hummus onto crackers to create a tasty and satisfying mini snack.
3.Veggie or Fruit Platter
You can arrange vegetables and fruit into Christmas trees and other holiday shapes for a festive and healthy snack! Fruits and vegetables are rich in immune boosting antioxidants, which help us prevent and fight the cold and flu, both of which are very common this time of year!
4. Nuts
Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans or cashews, nuts contain protein, fiber and healthy fats known to be good for your heart and for your brain!
5. Dark Chocolate!
Real dark chocolate contains an antioxidant known as cocoa flavanols. Flavanols helps improve blood circulation throughout the body, which can improve brain and heart health! Dark chocolate also contains iron. With the busy time of year we are bound to feel tired and fatigued. Consuming adequate amounts of iron-rich foods help keep our energy levels up.
A Little Extra…
You may enjoying watching my ABCs KATU AM Northwest segment on “Healthy Party Snacks”
Happy and healthy holiday season everyone!!
xo Megan Roosevelt, RD, LD your “Healthy Grocery Girl®”