A Healthy Shabbat Dinner Menu

Whether your soft spot is kugel, potato salad or Challah-- or something in between every Friday presents the temptation to overindulge and pack on the pounds. Don’t let Shabbat dinner sabotage your healthy eating plan with these simple tips and yummy recipes! [caption id="attachment_47455" align="aligncenter" width="582" caption="Israeli Inspired Chopped Salad"][/caption]

Color your table

Start your meal with veggie appetizers like an Israeli salad, pickles, matboucha, sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. Because you and your guests have nowhere to be, the meal could last for hours, and surely rack up the calories. By filling up on low calorie veggies you are less likely to overeat during the main course of the meal.  Try this Israeli inspired leafy green salad, filled with flavor and nutrients but light on calories. [caption id="attachment_47456" align="aligncenter" width="582" caption="Easy Beef Roast"][/caption]

Roast it Swap out traditional brisket for a roast and trim 1/3 of the calories and half of the fat. Roasts are delicious and super easy to make. This no mess, no fuss recipe will surely be your go to week after week! The last ingredient is your choice so you can switch it up each week! [caption id="attachment_47457" align="aligncenter" width="582" caption="Brown Rice Pilaf with Dried Fruit"][/caption]

Go for the grain Swap out couscous, yellow or white rice for whole grain and add some slivered almonds and sweet dried cranberries for some crunch, flavor and visual appeal. Plus you’ll get a boost of protein and omega 3’s from the almonds and antioxidants from the dried cranberries. [caption id="attachment_47458" align="aligncenter" width="582" caption="Jello Fruit Salad"][/caption]

End on a sweet note Oftentimes when dessert rolls around my guests favor fruit over decadent treats, after all we have been eating for hours! Save yourself some time and calories with this easy and light fruity jello.