6 Dips and Hors d’Oeuvres for the Holidays

When you have diabetes, facing food at the holiday season can be less than joyful. Fatty appetizers and decadent dips can do you in. Discover 6 dips and hors d’oeuvres to serve or bring to parties so you have something tasty and guilt-free to nibble on.

1. Angelic eggs are a fantastic alternative to deviled eggs. Ditch the fatty mayonnaise and create a filling using low fat cottage cheese and Walden Farms ranch dressing. Sprinkle the tops of the eggs with parsley and paprika. Angelic eggs only take a few minutes to make and are packed with protein. These healthy hors d’oeuvres are sure to be a hit with everyone, not just people with diabetes. Walden Farms dressings and dips contain no sugar or calories and are packed with plenty of flavor. Serve them on a crudité with fresh raw vegetables such as carrots, celery and cherry tomatoes.
2. Nosh on roasted nuts at holiday parties. Eating nuts can help improve blood sugar levels and blood cholesterol. A handful of nuts are a satisfying snack. Almonds lower the rise of blood sugar and insulin levels. Walnuts can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Cashews are lower in fat that many other nuts and help reduce high triglycerides. Remember portion size since nuts are very fattening.
3. Spinach artichoke dip can be made with frozen spinach, canned artichoke hearts and a mild cheese such as Monterey Jack or low fat cream cheese. A raw cup of spinach only contains 7 calories and is rich in minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals. It has a low glycemic index to support stable blood sugar levels and plenty of antioxidants. Artichokes have high antioxidant levels and contain vitamin C, folic acid and potassium. Artichokes can help control blood sugar, lower cholesterol and improve digestion.
4. Another tasty hors d’oeuvre with spinach is Greek phyllo triangles. These tasty triangles are stuffed with spinach and cheese. They are flavorful and fulfilling with plenty of antioxidants and vitamin K. Everyone at holiday parties is sure to reach for these yummy triangles. Phyllo dough would count as carbohydrates so watch your portions.
5. Spicy stuffed mushrooms are delicious with feta cheese and cayenne pepper. They are also fast and easy to make. Mushrooms have fiber with no cholesterol to help lower cholesterol and control blood sugar. They have antioxidants, vitamins A, B and C, selenium and beta-glucans to combat cancer and boost the immune system. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, an anti-inflammatory that increases metabolism, relieves headaches and acts as an antibacterial agent.
6. Swedish meatballs made with 95% lean beef or turkey, gluten-free bread crumbs or Panko bread crumbs, onion, cardamom and nutmeg are a mouthwatering treat you can eat at holiday parties. Make a sauce using reduced fat sour cream, beef broth, whole wheat flour and unsalted butter. Onions are low-calorie with iron, vitamin C, fiber and potassium. They can help maintain blood sugar control and boost daily vegetable intake. Cardamom contains a phytochemical called cineole that can break up congestion, fight sore throats and help with liver problems. A spice that wards off colds during the holiday gathering season can be a good idea!

The holidays don’t have to be a time of deprivation or disappointment. There are a variety of delicious dips and hors d’oeuvres to feast on without compromising your health. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, these half dozen treats can keep you happily satisfied at parties and gatherings.