Entertaining can be so much fun, especially around the holidays. But the biggest complaint about hosting a party is usually not knowing what kind of food to serve. Especially if you and your guests have health concerns or are on a modified diet. Being surrounded by the typical high fat, high calorie, sugar loaded treat is just far too tempting for most of us to endure! So here are some healthier menu options to make your next get together hassle and guilt-free.

Healthy Appetizers

Cleaned up Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Chips
Cucumber slices with ricotta dill spread and smoked salmon
Antipasto Skewers
Caprese Wreath Salad
Edible Christmas Tree Centerpiece
Cajun Shrimp Cups
Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Log

Healthy Entrees

Turkey Meatballs
Almond Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
Mini Crab Cakes
Teriyaki Salmon Bites

Guilt Free Desserts

Better Brownies
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Chocolate Almond Super Food Bark
Chocolate Mint Mini Muffins
Black Tie Popcorn
Apple Almond Crisp
Skinny Caramel Apple Dip (from the cookierookie.com)
Dark chocolate & sea salt almonds
Clean eating chocolate chip cookies

Check out my Pinterest Board "Clean Eating Desserts" for more ideas

Follow Brenda Ajay's board Clean eating desserts on Pinterest.

Ready to start working on your New Year, New You resolution? Get fitness, nutrition and all the support you need right here! Fill out this application to tell me a little more about you and your goals for the new year and I'll be in touch to help you get started today!

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Brenda

Antipasto Skewers

Ingredients:

Skewers

12-15 wooden skewers
1 container grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
2 15oz cans artichoke hearts (quartered and drained)
1 jar sliced roasted red pepper (sliced into 1" small strips)
1 lb mini fresh mozzarella balls
1/4 lb thin sliced pepperoni or salami
1 can whole black or green olives

Dressing

1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Assemble the skewers:

Starting with a tomato, skewer one of each ingredient onto each wooden skewer in the order that they are listed. When all skewers are complete set them in a shallow pan or baking dish.

Mix dressing:

Mix all ingredients for dressing in a bowl and pour over skewers to marinnnade. Let marinade in refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.

Brenda

Almond Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders (Gluten Free)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds fresh (not frozen) chicken strips, or tender loins

1/2 c olive oil

2 eggs

1 1/2 c finely ground almonds (almonds should be similar in texture to bread crumbs)

3/4 c grated Parmesan

1 TB Italian Seasoning

1 TB garlic powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Mix eggs well in a shallow pan or bowl. 
4. In a separate bowl, mix ground almonds, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
5. Take each piece of chicken and dip into egg mixture first, then quickly transfer the egg coated chicken to the almond/cheese mixture and coat thoroughly.
6. Place coated chicken strips into hot saute pan. Cook each side for about 2 minutes, until browned. Remove strips from skillet and let drain onto a paper towel lined plate. 
7. Place browned chicken tenders in an ungreased baking pan and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
8. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. 

Give Yourself The Gift Of Good Health!

Eating healthy is a big part of taking control of your health and these recipes are a great start. But if you really want to get in the best shape of your life, lose weight and fight aging and chronic health problems join an online challenge group and get fitness, nutrition and support 24/7. It doesn't matter how old you are, there's a challenge group for people of all ages and ability. To learn more, or to reserve a spot in an upcoming group, fill out this application or email me at brendalajay@gmail.com

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Brenda

Zucchini Cheese Balls

photo from dreamstime.com

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup shreaded raw zucchini, not peeled (about 1 large zucchini)
1 1/4 cup gluten-free bread crumbs plus 1/4 cup for rolling balls in before baking
1 tsp garlic powder
3 eggs
3/4 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, pepper
1/4 c sesame, flax or chia seeds to roll balls in before baking

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Wash the zucchini, remove the ends and grate using a large cheese grater.
3. Place the zucchini into a mixing bowl and add eggs, garlic, crumbs, cheese and salt & pepper. 
4. Mixture will become a moist batter that comes easily together. If the mixture is too thin and sticks to your hands add more bread crumbs until you can easily shape in 1" balls by rolling in your hands. 
5. Mix reserved gluten-free bread crumbs and seeds of choice together and toss rolled zucchini balls in to lightly coat the outside
6. Place balls onto a greased cookie sheet.
7. Bake for 20 minutes or until the outside is golden and crispy. Serve hot with marinara sauce or yogurt ranch dip

Give yourself the gift of good health!

Eating healthy is a big part of taking control of your health and these recipes are a great start. But if you really want to get in the best shape of your life, lose weight and fight aging and chronic health problems join an online challenge group and get fitness, nutrition and support 24/7. It doesn't matter how old you are, there's a challenge group for people of all ages and ability. To learn more, or to reserve a spot in an upcoming group, fill out this application or email me at brendalajay@gmail.com

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Brenda