SURVIVING CHRISTMAS 2017: MOSTLY HEALTHY APPETISERS/FIRST COURSES

PART 11 OF 67GOINGON50 SEASONAL RECIPE COLLECTION: FIRST COURSES & APPETISERS

                                  (Part 1: Quick & Easy Family Recipes Pre-Christmas...)

One of many lower-fat & cholesterol wallet-friendly dips for the festive season

IT IS POSSIBLE TO ENJOY YOURSELF OVER CHRISTMAS WITHOUT STORING UP WEIGHT, HEALTH AND FINANCIAL PROBLEMS 

Self-discipline is a tool not a burden

On Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Eve, relax; eat anything you like.   Otherwise, stay as close as possible to your eating plan.  Practice portion control.  Remember: 

• if you've stopped tasting it, stop eating it
• if you're overdoing it, replace a meal or two with Broth, Granola Porridge or Savoury Custard.
• eat as much salad, vegetables and fruit as you can
• cut back on meat and white carbs 
• if you've eaten something dodgy or are feeling bilious, try ginger root tea or jasmine and mint tea (How to...Wean Kids off Fizzy Drinks) 
• a homoeopathic remedy called Nux Vomica 30, available at Boots and most chemists, can also be effective if taken properly
• don't forget your Exercise Programme, even if you only manage a half hour walk every 2nd day!  

See also: Tips for staying stress-free from the Daily Mail  

Reducing Costs  

Following your festive budget will be easier if the main meal of the day offers three courses: a soup or starter, a main, two veg (incl. salad) and a fruit-based  dessert.  Reserve the expensive stuff for very special occasions.   


2017 NEW APPETISERS/FIRST COURSES THIS POST

Low-fat Spinach Parfait, unexpected & gloriously savoury 

Pinchitos, gorgeously marinated morsels of pork, Spanish style  

Skinnier Arancini, classic Italian rice balls but unfried & lower fat 

 

EARLIER FIRST COURSES/APPETISERS - Many are Make-Ahead

The Wow Factor - real crowd pleasers

Coarse Country Terrine, 
doesn't look or taste low fat 

Beetroot Velvet Hummous, as delicious as it is dazzling   
worth the effort, Vegan 

Cheese & Chive Crackers, so melt-in-the mouth, you won't restrict yourself to three. Vegetarian

Yummy Exotics

Vietnamese Wraps: Chicken, Fish or Vegan

Mediterranean Meatballs, lower-fat 

First Courses


Dairy & Carb-free Cream of Mushroom & Sherry Soup  Vegan

Healthier Meatballs, Med Style  low-cholesterol, wallet-friendly

Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip, spectacular Vegan first course


Prep Ahead, Tasty Low-fat & cholesterol

Skinnier Chicken liver pate, rich without lashings of chicken fat

Smoked Salmon Dip, wallet-friendly

Chive & Onion Dip

`Much better for the family than crisps!

Frugal

Roasted Spiced Chickpeas, everyone loves these replacements for high fat crisps & nuts

Orange & Sesame Wings, appeals to all ages

Sausages with Honey & Mustard, simple quick favourite





'Cleaner' Dirty Favourites


Skinnier Sausage Rolls, 
with a Maple-Dijon dipping sauce to die for 

No-butter Spanakopita Bites, Triple duty: meat, fish or Vegan fillings





Skinner Scotch Eggs, 'artisan' products at day-to-day prices

For more First Courses/Appetisers, go to Recipes on the Nav BarAlso: How to...Christmas 2015 & 2016                    

(Questions & comments, pls go Comments box at the bottom of this page 

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These recipes were developed by B M Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises and  may not be reproduced without the author's written permission.