Low-Calorie Appetizer Idea: Sliced Fruit and Veggies Instead of Crackers

by POPSUGAR Fitness 9

Crackers and cheese are popular party platter foods, but I find that I end up filling up on crackers and spoil my appetite for dinner. Here's a healthier option for finger food that's lower in calories, but will offer the same firmness as a cracker. Forgo those salty rectangles and use sliced veggies and fruits as your vehicles for cheeses, dips, and spreads instead. Here are some ideas:

• Pear slices with cheese
• Apple or banana slices with peanut butter dip
• Sliced strawberries with maple Greek yogurt
• Cucumber slices with yogurt dill dip or lox spread with capers
• Sliced tomato with mozzarella and basil (I call them Caprese stackers)
• Red, yellow, or green pepper triangles with creamy white bean dip
• Lightly grilled zucchini slices with homemade hummus
• Celery sticks with tuna salad
• Tomato slices with edamole (an even healthier version of guac)

If you have any other ideas, tell me about them below.