6 healthy pre-dinner snacks

Light and healthy

Dinner’s not ready yet-but it’s been hours since lunch and everyone’s famished! Don’t spoil the delicious meal you’re preparing by filling up on unhealthy foods. Try these light and healthy snacks to curb those pre-dinner cravings.

Tortilla Chips with Fresh Mango and Tomato Salsa

Here is a fresh-tasting, colourful salsa that is rich in vitamins and valuable antioxidants. It is a perfect dip for crunchy, homemade tortilla chips, quickly baked rather than deep-fried for a healthy, low-fat result. Either corn tortillas or flour tortillas can be used to make the chips.

Get the recipe: Tortilla Chips with Fresh Mango and Tomato Salsa

Lemony Shrimp Gambas

This shrimp recipe makes a tasty and healthy snack-researchers say eating shrimp improves the ratio of good cholesterol (HDL, which keeps you arteries clear) to bad (LDL).

Get the recipe: Lemony Shrimp Gambas

Heart-y Antioxidant Almond Snack Mix

This snack mix is a nutritious take on the sweet party mix often referred to as “puppy chow.” With less butter, less sugar and more fibre and antioxidants, this version doesn’t have to be reserved just for parties.

Get the recipe: Heart-y Antioxidant Almond Snack Mix

Crudites with Three Dips

Few foods are healthier than raw vegetables, so serve these crudites with tempting low-fat dips for a starter. Or, for a light lunch, this recipe serves four. You can also offer fruit and whole-wheat pita bread for dipping.

Get the recipe: Crudites with Three Dips

Artichoke Dip

This creamy dip is similar in texture to guacamole. It’s great as an appetizer spread on whole-grain crackers, or as a dip for vege­tables. Try it warmed or add it to mashed potatoes for a side dish with a garlicky twist.

Get the recipe: Artichoke Dip

Sundried Tomato and Basil Crostini

Little bites of bliss, bursting with all the flavours of the Mediterranean-here, sundried tomatoes are marinated with a blend of Italian herbs. These tomato and basil crostini are so delicious, your guests will never guess how healthy they really are.

Get the recipe: Sundried Tomato and Basil Crostini

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• Healthy snacks kids will love
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• 10 foods you should eat everyday