Not only should we have balance in our meals, but it is also important to emphasize balance in our appetizers and wine nights. Who does not love a good charcuterie board? It can be a work of art if you ask me. We all know meats and cheeses are the base, but what else can we add? Not only should we have colorful plates for our meals, but adding color to our boards makes it even more appealing to the eye. Colors emphasize nutrition. Charcuterie boards are a deconstructive meal in itself. It is important to be mindful of what we add to it like anything else.
So what else can we include besides meats and cheeses?
Here are some ideas:
- Grapes
- Apple slices
- Dried fruits with no added sugar
- Raw unsalted nuts
- Whole grain crackers
- Cucumber slices
- Cherry tomatoes
- Pickled vegetables
- Olives with low sodium
- Jams with no added sugar
- Mustard with no added sugar
The meats and cheeses we put on our boards do not provide us all the nutrition we need. Yes, they provide protein and fat, but we need more than that. Fiber, vitamins, and minerals are even more important. They provide more nutritional benefits. The list above has some examples of how you can add the nutrition you need to your board. Also, cured meats and cheese tend to be higher in sodium. Whatever else we decide to add, it is important for us to be mindful of the sodium content.
Color your plate and color your board. It does not only have to be a charcuterie board. It can be any appetizer platter you wish to create. This not only brings out your creativity, but I find it kind of meditating. Relaxing. The calm before the storm. A treat to yourself. A treat to yourself that not only brings accomplishment, but nutrition as well. Treat yourself by treating your body well in other ways you would not think of. The terms “treat” or “treats” does not have to stem from an unhealthy standpoint.
Bottom Line:
Color your plates and boards with nutrition!
