Eating an appetizer doesn't mean it can't be healthy

Not too many people think about an appetizer as something healthy unless you count vegetables, but then you are dipping it in some kind of ranch dressing.  When you go out to eat the first thing out of the waiter/waitresses mouth is: "Can I start you off with a drink or appetizer". When did it become so normal to snack before your meal? Wonder why America is the obese capital of the world, it's because we eat these carb loaded fattening appetizers. Now I am not speaking against anyone who orders these because I am one of them. I just feel if there were options for us to order appetizers that were flavorful and healthy we would order it.

In California one of the most popular appetizers is guacamole or "guac". Guacamole is made from avocados. (duh! but had to put it in there just in case someone was born yesterday and was unaware) The United States is the world's third largest avocado grower (behind Mexico and Brazil) and California is the U.S.'s largest avocado producer.  Not only are avocados tasty but they are good for you too. Can you believe that one avocado has 4g of protein, 13g of fiber and you get 23g of unsaturated fats plus 4g of your omega's as well. They are very healthy for you. I am not a nutritionist but I doubt you can find one that will tell you eating an avocado is bad for you.

Another popular appetizer is this artichoke and spinach dip. (olive garden and applebees) It contains the good stuff, cheese, wheat and a lot of saturated fats. Elephant Bar has one of the best artichoke dips. (NOT GLUTEN FREE) It has over 1200 calories 100g of carbs and 76g of fat. WOW! I know you share this with others but that's not counting the chips you eat it with either. So I thought why not make something that was healthy tasty and trendy? I created a gluten free, dairy free Artichoke Spinach Guac. I was surprised to see El Monterey already had something similar after I came up with this idea. My version of course is 100% authentic and gluten free.

1- Avocado
4- fresh artichoke hearts chopped
1- 8oz chopped spinach
1/8c- lime juice
1-tbsp garlic powder
1-tsp of cumin
1-tsp paprika
1-tbsp salt

Mix all the ingredients together in a medium bowl serve with gluten free chips or crackers. To make this a creamier dip add 2 tbsp of gluten free sour cream. Just as a reminder adding the sour cream will up the fat content and make this a less healthy choice.