Unique Healthy Holiday Snacks

Are you trying to lose weight or simply trying eat healthy this holiday season? It can be hard when every holiday function comes complete with heavy, calorie and fat laden food.

If you get a little creative, you can combat food over load and still have a good time. You can bring or serve the following healthy, unique dishes at your next holiday function and still keep your eating in check:

1. Avoid the buttery Chex mix by making a snack mix made of low fat pretzels, raw nuts and some dried fruit. This mix with satisfy your urge for something crunchy to munch on.

2. Ranch dip is a staple at all holiday gatherings but it is high in fat. Make a low fat dip by mixing plain Greek yogurt with some minced garlic and fresh herbs of your choice. You can dip crudités to your heart's delight and as a bonus Greek yogurt is good for you!

3. Fresh air popped corn. Season the popcorn with a little olive, salt and pepper. It's simple but it will be gone before you know it!

4. Chicken skewers are an awesome substitution for Little Smokies or high fat meatballs. Marinate the chicken in a low fat marinade of your choice, grill or broil in the oven. Make sure to make a lot of these because even people not watching their weight will devour these!

5. Homemade pita chips are wonderful to dip into homemade low fat dips. Cut whole wheat pitas into triangles (like a pizza), drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and pop into the oven until crispy!

6. You can drink a lot of calories in a short span of time whether it be alcohol or soda. One glass of wine or a beer won't kill you but you really have to watch it! Set out pretty bottles of imported sparkling water will make you feel like you're drinking a special drink, but you won't have to worry about the calories later. I like to serve pitchers of water with slices of citrus. Sometimes I freeze cranberries in ice cubes to give them a festive flair.