Start Thanksgiving Right!

 It's time for some appetizer inspiration for a healthy Thanksgiving. I have a friend who lost 15 pounds last year between Thanksgiving and Christmas by staying on program and that meant making a few welcome adjustments to the way they celebrated the holidays with their family. Here are some great ideas if you get to bring an appetizer to a gathering this year!

Grilled zucchini wraps are simple and so healthy, not to mention they still pack that creative visual punch that many of us enjoy striving for when we get to bring something to share to a party.

What you need: 5 medium sized zucchini, olive oil, fresh ground pepper and either laughing cow light swiss cheese wedges OR feta cheese, depending on your taste.

What to do: Slice zucchini into long, thin strips. Lightly oil large skillet or grill. Grill zucchini strips quickly, 2-3 minutes. Add a teaspoon of cheese at the to of one zucchini strip and grind pepper over the top. Roll up and secure with a toothpick. Repeat. You might pop these into an oven just before serving if you prefer them warm!

 For so many of us that are choosing to eat healthy, feeding our kids can trip us up because they eat so many things that we are trying to avoid, like lots of crackers and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, or maybe they don't like healthy food. Or maybe offering your kids lots of healthy options is the next item on your to do list. Here are some great ideas! Make a healthy fish platter as part of your kids' breakfast the morning after Thanksgiving. All you need is orange slices, dried apricots, blueberries and bits of strawberries or more apricots for the lips. Get creative, get the kids involved and have fun with it!

 If characters that your children recognize will make veggies more fun, buy some tomatoes, carrots, blueberries, blackberries, broccoli and olives, along with little white cups for some light ranch dipping sauce and ask your favorite little people to help you arrange the platters. (There are platters at the dollar store if you don't have any at home.) Also for those of you feeling less than crafty, this is an easy one to follow. Pull up the picture on your phone or computer screen and place your veggies accordingly. It's super easy and the kids will love being involved!

 If you have a grocery store nearby and a few minutes to put together a great conversation piece, this turkey is just the thing to get some healthy ooh's and ah's when you walk into your next Thanksgiving gathering. Making this says to everybody, " I am strutting my healthy all over this party! Check me out, I am getting healthy and sassier by the day. Don't you want to be me??" It's fun to do, give it a try! Add to the shopping list: Red leaf lettuce, celery, baby carrots, asparagus, red, yellow and green bell peppers, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, 1 yellow squash and olives for the eyes. It just doesn't get any healthier or cuter than that. If this is what you choose to munch on during a party, you will leave feeling proud and accomplished. Might as well make this fun!!

If your holiday gatherings tend to be a bit more fancy or buttoned up, consider the zucchini boat. Healthy, delicious, and just the right amount of sophistication. Just how I like my men... did I say that out loud? Oopsie...
What you need: 5-6 of the larger zucchini you can find, cherry tomatoes (on the vine if you can find them), parmesan cheese and basil.
What to do: Slice the zucchini length wise and scoop out the middle to create a boat. Sprinkle with fresh grated parmesan and sliced cherry tomatoes. Shred the basil and sprinkle on top. (Take several basil leaves and roll them into a tight ball. Hold tight with one hand while slicing the whole thing into small shreds.) Top with fresh ground pepper and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes, checking every few minutes to make sure you haven't browned your cheese too much. Serve hot and cut into bite sized pieces to assist eating as a finger food.
Here's to a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for my healthy body and this one precious life I was given to create the life and the health that I really want. Cheers!