Low carb party recipes to impress guests

Food on the grill, carb-loaded side dishes and high-sugar desserts are at the centre of most seasonal parties. But this doesn’t mean you need to avoid those countless neighbourhood parties to ensure you stay on track with your healthy lifestyle. Here are five lower-carb recipes that are great during weekend get-togethers.

Shredded Chicken Chilli
Just toss some chicken, beans, tomatoes and a combination of chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and oregano in your slow cooker and let that magic machine do all the work. Six hours later, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken and plenty of flavourful fixings for fewer calories than a chicken prepared in a sugary or cheesy sauce.

**media[1037355]**
Avocado Tuna Sandwiches
Mix lemon juice, avocado, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl and add canned tuna fish. Scoop onto a slice of whole grain bread with arugula, sliced cucumbers and red onions and you’ve got yourself a delicious sandwich to eat in place of that hamburger.

Skinny Shrimp Fajitas
You won’t miss the tortilla with this recipe. Combine shrimp, onion, bell pepper, olive oil and dry fajita spices such as chilli powder, garlic, onion, cumin and paprika in a large bowl. Pour into a veggie basket or place on skewers and let the grill do the work for you.

Pesto Cilantro Dip
Bake walnuts at 275 F degrees until golden brown, then chop cilantro, garlic, and walnuts in a food processor for about 25 seconds. With the machine running, pour olive oil in a steady stream. Add sour cream, lemon juice and salt. Pulse a few times to combine and you’re done! Serve with fresh veggies. This recipe is quick and simple. It contains minimal ingredients and it is packed with healthy fats. Plus, it keeps five days in the refrigerator and freezes for up to a month.

**media[1037357]**
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a party staple and this recipe for a lighter version of it is easy as 1-2-3! Whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, celery seed and a sugar substitute. Add cabbage and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Remember, parties don’t need to wreak havoc on your healthy diet. By making some simple swaps and choosing healthier options, you’ll stay on track while still enjoying time with family and friends.