some cases, planning a larger, more nourishing meal before a difficult
snack period time—and then shifting activities to turn a former
snack period into a period of time focused on other enjoyable pursuits—
can be a more effective way of "tiding yourself over" than experi-
menting with your snack content.
Healthiest Way of Eating Tips for Weight Loss:
Appetizers
Even when I prepare dinner for myself I prepare appetizers such as
broccoli and cauliflower florets, cucumbers, red bell peppers, and
zucchini and serve them with a health-promoting dip such as
guacamole or hummus. These are among the most healthy and easy
appetizers to prepare. Extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, low-fat
yogurt, and nut/seed butters—such as almond butter or tahini
(sesame seed butter) —also make great dips that require very little
preparation. I enjoy these more than the more traditional soup and
salad appetizer, and they can be more healthy and easier to prepare.
Even though it is not highly time-consuming to do the cutting and
chopping of the vegetables yourself, you might want to consider the
added convenience of pre-chopped and pre-sliced vegetables (although
they are a bit more expensive). Many stores offer organically grown,
pre-cut vegetables that could provide just the right amount of extra
convenience to get you going on some improved appetizer options.
You will often find that it is often recommended to soak vegetables
in ice water one hour before serving. I would avoid this practice as
soaking leaches out many (about 20) of the nutrients found in the
vegetables.
Appetizers consisting of vegetable-plus-dip combinations will take the
edge off of your hunger and also help prevent overeating once the meal
is served. Healthy appetizers will usually contain about 100 calories.
My recommendations for best healthy appetizers include fresh
vegetable crudités served with accompaniments, such as:
Practical Tips for Continued Healthy Weight Loss