Lately I've begun serving a plate of raw vegetables and dip along with meals, in yet another attempt to get us to eat our veggies. I've come up with two or three different dips, but would love more suggestions -- especially ones lower in fat. I know, I know, we should be eating the vegetables without dip, or at most a light drizzle of low-fat vinagrette, blah blah blah. Any progress is good, in my opinion.
-- SJ
5 comments:
Raw veggies and non-fat dip is part of our standard Friday night dinner (along with buttered popcorn and apple-and-peanut-butter so we probably just break even when it comes to fat). But anyway, my usual dip is 1/2 cup of nonfat yogurt, about 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. garlic, 1/4 tsp. pepper, 1/4 tsp. paprika, and if I have any fresh herbs around, a good sprinkling of those.
This is loosely related to your post, but is a great way to eat more veggies and cut back on calories/fat.
Substitute a cucumber slice for a cracker and top the cucumber with your choice of (low fat, if desired) cheese, meat or other veggies.
One of my friends found this idea in Rachel Ray’s collection of recipes on the Food Network’s website. (search for “cucumber snackers”) Both my friend and my sister have made them and received rave reviews. Even the guys liked them!
P.S. Rachel Ray just published a new cookbook (30 Min Get Real Meals) specifically for people who want to cut carbs, sugar, calories, fat, etc and yet don’t want to give up eating all that fun stuff in moderation. I would highly recommend her cookbook and the South Beach Diet book and cookbook for people interested in good recipes along the “healthy” vein of eating. Check out your local Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart and/or library for cheap copies.
On a personal note, I’ve lost, and kept off, 20lbs. by eating this way over the past 6+ months. I feel so much better when I stick to the “diet” that I plan to keep it up long term. So if I seem a tad bit excited on this topic, that’s why. :-)
~Alison
The cucumber snacker sounds like a great idea. And I'll check out the cookbooks -- I'm interested in eating more healthfully, but not in labelling perfectly good (and yummy!) foods as "bad."
-- SJ
You could also try hummus as a veggie dip. I comes in many flavors. It's a great source of protein, not always low in fat, but with the added protein and vitamins you're getting, it's a better compromise than straight dips.
These are all good ideas. Thanks so much!
-- SJ
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