What would a holiday spread be without the traditional meat and cheese platter? Eating meat and cheese is a fast way to fill up, so grazing is one of the smarter eating strategies when facing one of these trays. “Instead of mindlessly popping pieces in your mouth, take an appetizer plate, place your favorites, and eat from your own small plate away from the platter. The farther away you stand from the appetizers the less you will eat,” says Blatner.
And if you’re creating a platter for a pot luck, consider adding some low-fat options too. “Add fruits and veggies on the cheese plate to help off set calories of meats and cheese,” says Blatner.
If you’re at a loss for what to include, she has these suggestions:
- Jarred or marinated artichokes
- Jarred or marinated mushrooms
- Jarred or roasted red peppers
- Pickled green beans
- Pepperoncini
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Clementine segments
- Pear slices
- Dried figs