Snacks to Serve During the Grammys
While Bruno Mars, Kelly Clarkson, Rihanna and Sting are belting it out on stage at the Grammy Awards, you'll probably be at home, sitting on the couch with your girlfriends and predicting who will win the award for best album. One item that will definitely be involved: food. But let's be honest, you don't really want to gorge yourself while watching your favorite fit celebrities strut their stuff on the red carpet. It's a surefire way to feel not so good about yourself.
Watch the Grammys in style while keeping it skinny. Here are some of my quick fixes that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
If you're feeling creative: Pizza is one of the easiest munchies-type foods to make. Sound unhealthy? Think again. You can easily whip up a cauliflower-based pizza crust. It may not sound appetizing, but I was sold after my first bite. To make the crust, just chop cauliflower into chunks, pulse in a food processor, and then sauté in a skillet. The recipe is one of my favorites from the Eating Bird Food blog.
[See How to Choose a Healthy Slice of Pizza]
If you're craving crunch: For years, popcorn has been touted as the perfect go-to healthy snack because, well, who doesn't love popcorn? And yes, it can be a healthy choice, but not if it's drenched in butter and salt. I'm going to let you in on one of my best-kept secrets: hot sauce. Not only does the spice give popcorn a delicious kick of flavor, but it also helps you slow down while you eat, keeping you from finishing an entire bag in 10 minutes. If nothing will keep your paws off the popcorn, I recommend Good Health Half Naked Popcorn, because even if you do go overboard, four cups clock in at just 120 calories. It's a snack I tell my clients to always have on hand.
If you're a dip lover: Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream is one of the oldest tricks in the book and the perfect way to cut calories without compromising taste. Here's one of my favorites: Mix 1/2 cup of low-fat sour cream, 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt, caramelized shallots, white wine vinegar, and your favorite herbs (chopped). Then add salt, pepper, and dill to taste. I promise that you and your girlfriends will love it.
If you need your potato chips: Satisfy that salty craving with roasted seaweed instead. Not only does it take longer to eat, but it's also lower in sodium and calories. SeaSnax grab-and-go packs are only 16 calories, and you're less likely to go back for seconds if you're eating pre-portioned servings. Toss a few packs on your coffee table for your guests to enjoy.
[See 25 Healthful Snacks Under 200 Calories]
If you have time to prepare: Who said deviled eggs had to be exiled from a healthy diet? Not me. I found a recipe that has it all--flavor, perfect consistency, and all the right nutrients. Be warned: These deviled eggs, courtesy of Jenkins Jellies, have quite the kick. And don't shy away from the yolk. In moderation, yolk is like a super multivitamin.
Award-Worthy Deviled Eggs
6 hard-boiled eggs
2 tablespoons of mayonnaise (use low fat)
1 1/2 tablespoons Jenkins Jellies Hell Fire Pepper Jelly
2 1/2 tablespoons sweet relish
Paprika
1. Shell hard-boiled eggs and slice in half lengthwise
2. Scoop out yolks and mix in bowl with the rest of the ingredients (except paprika)
3. Fill white part of eggs with yolk mixture
4. For more zest, place a small dollop of Hell Fire Jelly on each egg and sprinkle with paprika
[See Is All Fiber Created Equal?]
Hungry for more? Write to eatandrun@usnews.com with your questions, concerns, and feedback.
Heather Bauer, RD, CDN, is a nationally-recognized nutrition expert, author, and entrepreneur. She is the author of two top selling books, The Wall Street Diet and Bread is the Devil. She is the founder of Nu-Train, a nutrition consulting company, and Bestowed, a subscription service that offers consumers a personalized way to discover, sample, shop, and learn about the best nutrition and lifestyle products on the market.
