Who says holidays often says aperitif with family and friends. An unmissable summer event that we appreciate, but which is not always synonymous with “healthy”. Here’s how to have fun without feeling guilty.
Your phone rings. It is Nadine, your neighbour, who invites you to take advantage of her shaded property while youan aperitif. The thermometer keeps climbing and the idea of a nicely furnished table and refreshing cocktails does not displease you. Unsurprisingly, a multitude of foods come to mind: crackerscheeses, deli meats & co. And yet, these dishes which we love, and which are easy to taste, are real calorie bombs. In addition, these contain lots of saltthe consumption of which increases the feeling of thirst, but they are also high in fattherefore difficult to digest.
Don’t worry, having fun while doing your body good is not impossible! How ? By focusing on simple alternatives. Indeed, have fun reworking your favorite aperitifs. Thus, the traditional chips from the supermarket can easily be replaced by a vegetable crisps. Exit the bag of peanuts too, which we will replace with a bowl of almonds providing excellent satiety, in part thanks to its rich in fiber and proteins. Put a little color on your table also by betting on the dips : carrots, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini flowers… to dip in a low-fat fromage blanc or a 0% seasoned yogurt according to your preferences. Lover of spreads of all kinds? Opt for whole wheat bread, much more interesting from a nutritional point of view than white bread. Finally, have fun! The aperitif in its “healthy” version offers you a surprisingly wider choice. So, get to your stove!
Read also: Wine, beer, champagne: what is the lowest calorie alcohol?
Aperitif: avoid alcohol and sugar on the drink side
The appetizer is excellent reason to toast. But raising your glass is not without consequences for your health. First, beware of alcoholic beverageshigh in calories and often sweet, just like sodasthese fake friends giving the impression of quenching their thirst. Also avoid the industrial fruit juices which are stuffed with sugar and most often prepared from concentrate. Your new ally? detox water. This is a naturally flavored water thanks to the addition of fruits or vegetables, fresh herbs, citrus fruits, but also spices. Peach/verbena, cucumber/rosemary, strawberry/basil… The combinations are multiple and provide excellent hydration. Leave to infuse in the fridge and you’re done!