Ep 4. Happy Hour

In this episode of Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger, titled "Happy Hour," Ellie explores ways to enjoy the ritual of happy hour without sabotaging a healthy diet. She begins the show with a brief discussion on the importance of moderation and being mindful of alcohol intake.

The first recipe Ellie prepares is a roasted carrot hummus with whole-grain chips and crudités. She explains that hummus is a great alternative to calorie-laden dips and that adding roasted carrots gives it a touch of sweetness and extra nutrients. Ellie also emphasizes the importance of choosing whole-grain chips for added fiber and nutrients.

Next, Ellie puts a healthy spin on a classic cocktail by using fresh fruit and herbs to create an apple and thyme martini. She explains that adding fruit and herbs not only adds flavor but also provides important antioxidants. Ellie also demonstrates how to properly muddle the herbs to release their flavors.

As a savory snack option, Ellie makes oven-baked sweet potato fries with a spicy yogurt dipping sauce. She shows how to cut the fries evenly for even cooking and suggests using a mixture of spices, including smoked paprika and cumin, for added depth of flavor. The yogurt dipping sauce is made with Greek yogurt, which provides protein and calcium.

For the final recipe, Ellie prepares a healthy take on a classic bar food: chicken wings. She uses skinless chicken tenders and coats them in a mixture of whole-grain breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices before oven-baking them to crispy perfection. Ellie also demonstrates how to make a homemade buffalo sauce using a combination of hot sauce and butter.

Throughout the episode, Ellie emphasizes the importance of being mindful of portion sizes and choosing whole, nutrient-dense ingredients. She also provides tips on how to enjoy happy hour without overindulging, such as alternating alcoholic drinks with water and choosing lower-calorie options like light beer or wine.

Overall, "Happy Hour" offers viewers a variety of healthy and delicious snack and drink options for enjoying happy hour without compromising their health goals.