Firstly, do you prefer listening to podcasts? I talk you through lots of this blog (plus a few extra tips) on episode 51 on Body Bites with Bec. Search on your favourite podcast app or click the player below to listen!

So, it gets to the weekend and you want to graze with friends. However, you also want to stay on track with your healthy efforts…

Sharing a platter that you can pick at whilst sipping on a glass of wine with your nearest and dearest is one of your favourite things to do and you don’t want to give that up right?

You want to reach those weight loss goals so badly and / or stay bloat free, but you also want to enjoy life’s greatest moments - like these.

Well, I’m here to show you that you CAN do both - because I certainly do!

Here are some simple tips to help build a Health with Bec approved, low carb platter:

Choose healthier cracker alternatives

First of all, cracker alternatives are abundant in the grocery store! I would suggest looking for a gluten free alternative that is also high in fibre. The easiest way to do this it to look for seeds as the majority of the ingredients.

This way, we can upgrade the usual standard cracker to a more beneficial, gut loving, nutrient packed one that won’t send your blood sugars soaring like the standard, low GI crackers out there!

A few of my favourites that I would suggest are the Flats crackers, Olina’s crackers and Keep Keto ones! I also have a blog, completely dedicated to choosing the correct crackers here!

You could also make chips out of kale leaves or roast baby Brussel sprouts and add them to the platter - YUM!

Bulk up the platter with veggies!

I swear by this!

Bulk up the platter with veggie sticks. Not only does this look beautiful if you choose an array of colours, but it helps to add in any extra veggies to your day that may be missing (especially if this platter is replacing a usual dinner).

Carrots, celery, cucumber, capsicum, zucchini sliced finely and even tomatoes are all great options to include.

Personally, when I have a low carb platter, I try to be mindful of my cracker to veggie ratio. Platters are something that we are constantly picking at, and although the crackers we have chosen are healthier alternatives, they are still quite calorific with all the nuts and seeds included.

Because of this, stick to one serve of the crackers (have a peep of the box to see what that is) and then move on to the veggie sticks, as you can really eat as many of those as you like - guilt free. This is because they are so low in calories! Win win.

Choosing the correct types of dips

Now, when choosing dips, there is such a wide variety, but luckily there are plenty of alternatives to choose from! Try to choose ones from the store that have olive oil as its oil of choice, no added sugars and minimal ingredients (i.e. a short list of ingredients).

Also avoid preservatives with numbers! If you’re in the Health with Bec Tribe , refer to the Label Reading section in the portal for more info!

Hummus, tzatziki, babaganoush and guacamole are great options. Here are some great brands of dips to look out for, with my favourite being Morlife, Pilpel, Yalla, Chobani (be aware this isn’t a gluten or dairy free dip though, Rozas and Obela.

You could also make your own dips using vegetables, olive oil and herbs yourself if you can’t find healthier alternatives from the shops. And, don’t forget about my cauliflower hummus recipe found right here on my website.

Like the cracker point above, dip is calorific. So, just dip wisely, putting a tiny amount on each cracker or veggie stick that you dip!

Which cheese to include

Cheese can definitely be included on a low carb platter / grazing board! I mean, what kind of grazing board doesn’t have cheese?!

I would just recommend going easy and keeping in mind that it is also calorific like we talked about with the crackers and dip. For example, one 30 g slice of cheddar cheese is approximately 115 calories. This is fine, but just be conscious!

If you are dairy free, choose a dairy free alternative cheese. Brands I would recommend are Kehoes cream cheese, Sprout & Kernel cheese or Damona (I LOVE the damona almond feta).

Some other things I like to throw on. . .

I also love including some cold meats, ones like prosciutto and lean leg ham. This provides you with a protein hit, which we always want in our main meals, and, this will help us fill up easily which we aways want.

I also use fruit as another lower calorie alternative to bulk up the low carb platter and make it look pretty. Fruit like rockmelon (which I pair with prosciutto - YUM), berries, or sliced apples or pears. Apples and pears go so beautifully with a little cheese to help you limit your cracker consumption too!

Olives, sun-dried tomatoes and pickles are also favourites to add and always welcomed to the party - just keep the excess oil in mind (you can opt for sun-dried tomatoes not in oil if possible, they have them at Coles)!

As you can see, building a healthy, low carb, gluten free platter can be so simple AND delicious by making easy swaps!

My approach to weight loss ALWAYS leaves room for alcohol and times like this on the weekend with friends to create balance and ensure you can still reach your goals. It’s all about the simple swaps!

Want to learn exactly how? Check out my 3 Week Body Reset!