When you're following a low-carb diet or just restricting starches and sweets for general health benefits, finding appropriate finger foods to serve at parties and eat as snacks can be tricky, especially at first. Many appetizers rely on carbohydrate-packed bread products like pastries or sweets like jams and syrups as primary ingredients. However, you can rely on several low-carb options. Regardless of diet, most people will enjoy finger foods that are built around whole foods that appeal to a wide variety of palates and don't include any processed low-carbohydrate ingredients, such as soy-based flour substitutes or artificial sweeteners.
Veggies and Dip
Sliced vegetables and dip are a standard appetizer fare that happens to be low-carbohydrate. Slice up a plateful of carrots, celery, zucchini, summer squash and bell pepper and set it next to a bowl of homemade veggie dip. The book "Low Carb 1-2-3" says that you can make a simple veggie dip by whipping a brick of cream cheese until it's soft and airy, then stirring in flavorful mix-ins like sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs. Season it with salt and pepper. Sour cream works as a base, as well as cream cheese. Remember to prepare this at least four hours in advance, as the flavor develops over time. Keep in mind when adding salt and seasonings that the flavor will be stronger after a few hours.
Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce wraps are a heartier finger food. Simply choose ingredients that you would put in finger sandwiches, such as sauteed chicken, tuna salad or lunch meat and cheese, and wrap the filling in a large, fresh iceberg, romaine or bibb lettuce leaf. Eat it like a soft taco. By replacing the bread product, you eliminate the major source of carbohydrates that's usually present in this type of appetizer, and produce a lower-calorie treat to boot. Lettuce wraps can be slightly sloppy, so it's best to serve them on small plates.
Cheese Cubes
Cheese cubes are easy to stab with a toothpick at a party or pack in a small container to take on the go. Dice up a variety of firm cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey jack and colby, and assemble them on a platter with toothpicks and some complementary garnishes like olives. You can also set a plate of crackers next to the cheese cubes for guests who aren't keeping an eye on their carbohydrate intake.
Nuts
Nuts are a great casual finger food if you're limiting your carbohydrate intake. They contain good fats and require no preparation. Because nuts have a lot of fat, it's best to limit yourself to a one-quarter-cup serving per day. You should also eat the unsalted variety if you have a choice. Most people, particularly those who are following a low-carbohydrate diet, consume far more sodium in a day than they truly need. Also, the salt makes you crave more nuts; it's easier to stop after a few nuts it they're unsalted.
References
- "Low Carb 1-2-3: 225 Simply Great 3-Ingredient Recipes"; Rozanne Gold and Helen Kimmel; 2004
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Low-Carb Meals"; Lucy Beale, M.S., R.D., LDN and Sandy G. Couvillon; 2004
- "American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide"; Roberta Larson Duyff and the American Dietetic Association; 2006
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