6 Healthy holiday appetizers that won't blow your calorie budget

Joanna Kriehn, MS, RDN, CDCES - Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)

Whether you are staying home for the holidays or gathering with a few people, guard your weight-loss goals by serving healthy holiday appetizers. Check out these unique and tasty recipes that keep the calories reigned in.

A few of our favorite healthy holiday appetizers

Teriyaki Meatballs with Dipping Sauce

Tasty and low in calories, Teriyaki Meatballs makes a healthy holiday appetizer using a secret ingredient! Using a blend of 93% lean ground turkey and 96% lean ground pork, you'll keep the fat content low without the meatballs drying out, thanks to water chestnuts, of all things! One meatball contains 45 calories and 2g of fat. These meatballs are also low in carbohydrates if you use a modest amount of dipping sauce. One teaspoon of commercially prepared teriyaki sauce contains about 1g of carb.

Make this unique appetizer recipe your own

Reduce sodium levels by opting for low-sodium soy and teriyaki sauces while adding extra fresh ginger root for added flavor.
Easily modified into a gluten-free appetizer with gluten-free panko bread crumbs and gluten-free teriyaki sauce (e.g., Kikkoman™ has gluten-free varieties).
An easy, make-ahead recipe, you can make the meatballs a few days before serving and reheat them on the stove in a non-stick pan. After placing the meatballs in the pan, add a few tablespoons of water. Once covered, they generally reheat in about 10 minutes. Transfer the warm meatballs to a slow cooker and serve the sauce on the side so people can dip for themselves and control their portions.

Mediterranean Board

Popping with color and offering something for everyone, this Mediterranean board is a twist on traditional meat and cheese boards. Low-calorie vegetables and fruits take center-stage while feta and prosciutto offer up something more filling. Plus, the olive-oil based dips are full of heart-healthy fats. Serve with seeded crackers or baguette.

Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce

Low in calories and high in protein, shrimp is a satisfying appetizer no matter the season. Pre-cooked shrimp and bottled cocktail sauce make this appetizer a snap.

Creamy Spinach Dip

Fat-free and reduced-fat ingredients make this dip lighter than traditional recipes. Serve with veggies or whole-grain crackers.

Smoked Mixed Nuts

Nuts are rich in heart-healthy fats and are very satisfying. However, watch your portions as one serving or 1/4 cup has 172 calories. Individuals following a keto, vegetarian, or gluten-free diet will appreciate this snack favorite.

Roasted Red Pepper Dip

If you're looking for a creative way to serve up fiber-rich beans, this is your recipe! One serving or 1/4 cup of dip contains 90 calories and 3g of fiber. Serve with veggies, whole-grain crackers, or crostini.

Use MyNetDiary's recipe import feature to enter other favorite holiday recipes into the app for accurate tracking.

Remember to log your food and beverage intake this holiday season! It will help ensure you pay attention to your choices and remain accountable to your health and weight-loss goals. Cheers to a healthy and festive holiday season!