Whether you're planning a party or getting ready for one, food is likely to be on your mind. It is possible to eat healthy at parties if you take the time to look around for the best options. If you're the one doing the cooking, try to work out healthier options of party favorites. Make cookies with low-fat milk or less butter. Or substitute part of the sugar for a natural-tasting sweetener such as Stevia. In the end, it's the small changes that count.
Dips
Chips and dips are a common snack at parties but not necessarily a healthy one. For the healthiest alternative, offer dips that are low in fat or made with healthy fats. For example, a guacamole dip is healthier than a cheese dip because it contains very little saturated fat. You can also offer salsa, hummus or an artichoke dip. For dipping, stay away from regular chips and instead choose baked ones. Add whole wheat crackers, soy chips and raw cut-up veggies for more healthy options.
Salty Snacks
Nuts are an obvious choice when it comes to healthy party snacks. They contain healthy unsaturated fat, plus they are high in vitamin E, fiber and protein. Skip candied nuts and go for the plain option. Try soy nuts for a twist or roast your own nuts. Add a pinch of herbs or pepper for some extra flavor.
Grilled Meats and Veggies
A grilled chicken breast might not qualify as a snack, but cut it up in small pieces and you can make a kebab out of it. You can also grill a variety of veggies, including mushrooms, asparagus, peppers, eggplant and even potatoes and corn. Add them to the kebabs or serve them cut up in small pieces on a plate. Add a small bowl of hot sauce on the side for those who want a touch of added flavor.
Sweets
No party is complete without some sweet snacks. Probably one of the healthiest options you can serve is fresh fruit. Don't just put out the whole fruit, though. Slice them up or make them into a fruit salad. You can also dip strawberries in dark chocolate, which is rich in antioxidants. Put them in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving to allow the chocolate to harden. If you can't get by without cake, try angel cake, which is light and low in fat. Try a few non-obvious choices as well, such as baked sweet potatoes sprinkled with cinnamon.
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