Hosting a Healthy Holiday Party

There’s nothing better than having friends and family for a holiday meal in with good food and plenty of laughter. However, we know the holiday season comes with plenty of social events, which can be overwhelming at times, but this isn't an excuse to throw all of your hard work away! Whether you are hosting a party or attending one, there are ways in which you can control what you're eating and drinking so that you don't wake up feeling guilty (or uncomfortably full) the next day!

Want to impress your guests without deep-fried, trans-fat filled foods?
Here are some of our top tips for making sure you really are the hostess with the mostess!

• Small canapés are more satisfying than low-fat snacks. Fill celery stalks with hummus, serve mini turkey meatballs, or top endives with smoked salmon and a smudge of Greek yogurt and dill.
• Flavoured sparkling water makes a great alcohol-free alternative to wine. Switch between the two and you’ll wake up with a clear head and a budget that isn’t blown.
• Quality not quantity makes a good buffet, so prepare a few well-chosen dishes rather than lots of smaller options. This also makes it easier to work out how much you’ve eaten. 
• Say yes to natural flavours. Healthy food can taste so, so good! You just have to know what you’re doing! Cook with plenty of spices and seasoning, bake or grill your food, dress your salads with olive oil, lemon or balsamic vinegar (or all three!).
• Eat early in the evening, so you don’t become ravenous and then overeat – or drink too much.
• Desserts can create a minefield. One trick is to serve something you’re not that keen on, but friends will enjoy. Or opt for fresh fruit salad, and perhaps add a dash of alcohol to add a bit of interest.
• Position yourself well. Don’t put yourself right in front of the candy dish. Who needs the agony? Plant yourself elsewhere, facing other pleasures – a nice fire, warm smiles, good tunes and a dance floor. You’ll have a much better time, and you’ll like yourself a lot more come morning.
• Avoid too many leftovers by checking recipe instructions carefully. It’s agony having a fridge full of goodies the next day.
• Savor every bite. Eat slowly, putting your fork down between bites, and really savor each mouthful. It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy your holiday meal without going overboard on calories.
• Do what you want; No one’s watching. People often think that if they say “no” to certain dishes, everyone notices, when in fact there’s a very good chance no one notices. Just play it down. Simply say, “No thanks, I’m full,” or “Try me later.” Then, sit back and enjoy the rest of your healthy Thanksgiving Day.
• Plan fun post meal activities! A hike or walk after is the perfect way to end a meal. What a wonderful way for families to enjoy the holiday together. Another tip: Plan some outdoor fun before dinner, like a game of soccer or volleyball with the kids. (It’s a great strategy for keeping the appetizer buffet at bay, too.)
• Then, forget about the food, relax and have fun!