“Skinny” Spinach Artichoke Dip — Ha! “Skinny Dippin'” which involves water and nakedness is about the only time I will willingly use the word skinny. And, it’s pretty much the only time the use of the word “skinny” is actual fun.

The word skinny has become synonymous with the word beautiful for some people. Just this very day, I had a female colleague say to me, ” Oh my gosh, you are so skinny, you look amazing.” She then proceeded to use the word skinny at least three times. I am thrilled my dedication and consistency is paying off, but Lordy mercy why do women perpetuate this!?

I don’t want to be skinny! I want to be healthy and strong.

But, I do love some good wordplay! Spinach Artichoke Dip is normally a FAT bomb. Cheese, butter, and cream cheese speckled with bits of soggy spinach, pools of fat glistening on the surface. Not this one! So, we are Skinny Dippin’ here! This dip is more like a vegetable side dish. I’ve amped up the nutrition with carrots and it’s just a great nibble to throw together. I know you will love it.

Read on for this amazing, delicious recipe for Spinach Artichoke Dip, an important best life living tip about creating boundaries, and a self care technique that is so simple it’s revolutionary. Plus, if your life is for the birds, I’ve got the map to show you where to find it. You got this. You can do it.

Best Life Living Tip

Feed what feeds you. Sounds pretty simple, right? Of course, it’s not that easy. We all get caught up in what we are supposed to do, sometimes rightfully so, but then you’ll wind up going sideways and doing stuff you don’t want to do. And, then what happens?

I don’t know about you, but I’ll admit that’s where the seeds of resentment start. Resentment is absolute poison.

Your time is precious. Your life is precious. Your time with the people you love is limited. Quit spending time and energy on what does not feed your soul, your body, and your spirit.

It has to be a balance. Brene Brown has written in her book The Gifts of Imperfection, “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we‘re supposed to be and embracing who we are.”

Self Care Technique

The self care technique that I go to again and again and again may sound like pure crazy to you, but I am going to share it anyway!

When you put lotion on your hands when they are dry and chapped or after a shower it’s pretty much body maintenance, right? But it doesn’t have to be. The Good and Good for You mindset means that every single action comes into play. As long as you are making more positive choices than not, you are on the right track. (BTW, my new fave lotion is Gloves in a Bottle! OMG so great.)

Putting on lotion doesn’t have to be a perfunctory action. When I put on lotion I try to remind myself to say to myself, ” You are taking care of your body, you are taking care of your body.”

Change is a mindset. According to the American Heart Association, ” Translate goals into habits, and then build better health one habit at a time.”

See, here’s the deal, the other part of The Good and Good for You mindset means that little things add up. If I feel like I am taking care of my body by putting on lotion, then it makes my very malleable brain want to do more to take care of my body. Change is a mindset.

Little things add up. You can do it.

Ideas and Inspiration

Spring is springing! Even with our little cold snap earlier in the week, spring is in the air as evidenced by the pollen on the cars. My spring inspiration has been learning new birds and yes, trying to ID by sound, not just sight. ( I am 100% comfortable with my birdyness nerdiness, thank you.)

The BirdCast site details bird migration and it is awe-inspiring, addictive, and the time suck that can inspire you, not waste your brain cells. (I see you Tik Tok people poaching chicken in cold medicine!)

Lastly, one of my favorite wildlife accounts is from a super sweet, super awesome smart guy who happens to be my neighbor. Check him out and please give him a follow.

Bon Appétit Y’all!

Virginia Willis

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Spinach and Artichoke Dip

This recipe was a struggle to lighten up, if I am going to tell you the absolute truth. You know what cheesy, greasy spinach dip tastes like. You’ve had it at countless parties. It’s good, but not good for you. And, guess what? Pureed white beans, which are commonly used as a healthy “substitute” in spinach dip, taste nothing like the fantastically fatty combination of mayonnaise, cream cheese, and sour cream. Swapping in beans might work in some recipes, but not here.

I’m happy to say I prevailed by using traditional ingredients but scaling back as much as possible on the mayo and sour cream. My secret for dealing with mayonnaise is to use half light mayonnaise and half fat free skyr. I’ve also amped up the nutrition by adding a carrot and use full-flavored Parmigiano-Reggiano and feta cheese. This dip is just cheesy enough, not greasy at all, and scrumptious.

This makes 2 cups or 32 tablespoons of dip. Nutrition is calculated at one serving is 2 tablespoons.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, hors d'oeuvres

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple dip, healthy appetizer, party food

Servings: 16

Calories: 51kcal

Author: Virginia Willis

Ingredients

• 1 10-ounce package chopped frozen spinach, thawed and well drained
• 1 carrot peeled and grated on the fine side of a box grater
• 2 garlic cloves very finely chopped
• 1/3 cup light sour cream
• 1/3 cup plain fat free skyr
• ¼ cup light mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup lightly toasted pine nuts
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese 2 ounces
• Hot sauce
• Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese 2 ounces

Instructions

• Place an oven rack in the center position. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Spray a medium ovenproof baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach, carrot, garlic, sour cream, yogurt, mayonnaise, pine nuts, lemon zest and juice, and ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese. Add hot sauce to taste and season with salt and pepper. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread to an even thickness. Sprinkle the top with the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan and the crumbled feta. Transfer to the oven and bake until the top browns and the dip heats through, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 51kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 97mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 688IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Let’s cook something up! If you are interested in hosting me for a speaking engagement, event, cooking class, or a book signing, let me know! Send an email to jona@virginiawillis.com and we’ll be back in touch as soon as possible.

I am not a doctor, RD, or health professional. I am simply sharing what works for me. My blog is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals.

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Good and Good for You with Virginia Willis is a lifestyle brand that shares food, fun, and fitness through digital channels and online community; events, seminars, and speeches; and print media. For more information visit virginiawillis.com