Go ahead and sample the hors d'oeuvres

By Merritt Watts

updated 8:06 a.m. ET Dec. 12, 2008

Navigate the holiday party circuit without packing on extra pounds using SELF’s guide to the leanest cocktail-hour treats. Pick and choose to make a 400-calorie hors d’oeuvres dinner and still zip up your party dress well into the new year!

Mixed salted nuts
Calorie-dense nuts are easy to overeat. Enjoy 10 and snap pics of pals between nibbles to manage munching, says Heather Bauer, R.D., co-author of "The Wall Street Diet" (Hyperion). 170 calories, 15 grams fat per ounce (about 30 assorted nuts)

Mozzarella sticks
These breaded and fried bites are saturated-fat bombs. Place one on a cocktail napkin to absorb grease before eating, Bauer suggests, and dunk in marinara for a vitamin A lift. 83 calories, 5 g fat per stick

Deviled eggs
Though they’re made with healthy hard-boiled eggs, the deviled kind have a dark side: calorie- and fat-filled mayo. Still, they deliver 5 g protein per half, helping you feel full. 63 calories, 5 g fat per 1/2 egg

Crab cakes
Mini-portions of this dish are ideal for calorie control but hard to resist. To avoid popping too many, enjoy one, savor the flavor and visit the veggie tray before taking another. 42 calories, 3 g fat per 1 1/2-inch cake

Bruschetta
Tasty olive oil and chopped tomato supply this classic canapé with antioxidants that may help prevent cancer and tune up your ticker. That’s fruitful finger food! 41 calories, 2 g fat per piece

Prosciutto-melon balls
The sweet and salty snack crushes two cravings at once with minimal calories. Plus, melon’s fiber and prosciutto’s protein give this treat delicious staying power. 23 calories, 1 g fat per melon ball

Shrimp cocktail
Consider crustaceans your secret weapon against seconds; they offer 1 g of filling protein each. Hit this platter first to curb cravings later. 10 calories, 0 g fat per 1 shrimp with 1 teaspoon cocktail sauce

Crudités
Crunch raw veggies with abandon. Skip the tortilla chips and dunk these in salsa instead to get fiery flavor and no fat. With this party plan, you’ll leave weight worries at home. 28 calories, 0 g fat per cup

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