Heart-Healthy Appetizers

Eating for a healthy heart doesn't have to be boring or flavorless. Sure, fried foods, fatty condiments, and salt are out of the picture. But you can have appetizers full of nutritious ingredients that won't have you feeling like you're missing out. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Deciding on Alternatives

Many appetizers help build up plaque in the arteries. Potato chips, pretzels, popcorn, foods cooked in butter or palm oil, mayonnaise-based salads, and creamy sauces are just a few to steer clear from on your diet. On the other hand, wonderful alternatives like steamed fish, egg whites, low-fat yogurt, and peanut oil can replace bad food without sacrificing the taste.

Ethnic Delights

Chicken breasts have little fat and pack a lot of protein. You can make an Indian inspired dish by grilling the chicken on skewers and finishing with a mango chutney. To make the chutney mix in a pot 1/2 mango, 1 cup sugar, 3/4 vinegar, 1 cup raisins, 2 tablespoons ginger, and 1 garlic clove. Bring to a boil for 45 minutes and cool. Another popular recipe is turkey meatballs. Roll half a pound of ground turkey into balls with wheat bread crumbs, 1 egg, 2 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, and 1 tablespoon oregano. Bake for 20 minutes at 350. Push toothpicks down the middle and serve with a marinara sauce. You'll get the taste of Italy without the complex carbohydrates. For a quick Asian appetizer, cut extra firm tofu into squares and grill. Serve with a teriyaki sauce. Your guests will love the tasty proteins with so little fat.

Traditional Favorites

Bountiful classic appetizers can be personalized to fit your heart-healthy diet. Tuna salads are notorious for their high calories. Replace your regular mayonnaise with a low-fat kind. Instead of making mini sandwiches, stuff your salad mixture in large pickled jalapenos. Spice up a much loved party dip. Rather than making rich spinach dip with regular sour cream, use low-fat sour cream and mix in roasted bell peppers. To serve, carve out peppers and fill with dip. You can replace greasy potato chips with pita chips. Another appetizing surprise can be made with chicken wings. Lightly coat chicken slices with spices like chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Cook in the oven for 15 minutes at 350. Serve with your favorite barbecue sauce, honey mustard dressing, and buffalo sauce, sans butter. You'll have people forgetting all about the fatty traditional-style wing.

Mini Desserts

Don't abandon your sweet tooth. Make delicious treats by grilling lightly oiled peaches. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon. Make your own ice cream pops using low-fat yogurt, small pieces of fruit, and fruit juice. Mix up all ingredients and pour into Popsicle molds. As they start to freeze, push in Popsicle sticks. It will make a refreshing treat while you lounge by the pool. There are abundant ways to prepare heart-healthy appetizers. Be inventive and use healthy alternatives to wow your guests.