Healthy Food Choices: Party Foods

Throwing a great party requires great party food, and the true host or hostess is an professional at choosing the right foods. Try these tips for buying party foods in this healthy shopping video.

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Not always unhealthy
Eat before a party
Use smaller plate
Try healthy dips
Socialize to avoid eating

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Michelle Cooper has been a registered dietician for more than 10 years. She currently works for the state of North Carolina for the New Hanover County School District in the Child Nutrition Department as the supervising registered dietician on staff. She specializes in child nutrition, child fitness and overall child health. She enjoys her job because it allows her to be a pivotal piece of child development.

MICHELLE COOPER: Next, we're going to talk about party foods. Party foods don't always have to wreak havoc on your diet. It's always easier if you're the one throwing the party and you can make your own healthy choices. However, if you're attending a party and there are some foods there such as the ones behind me, I'm going to give you some hints on how to avoid having some diet disasters that night. Number one, make sure that you eat before you go to the party, even if it's just a light snack. You don't want to show up hungry and ravenous and start eating everything at the party. Number two, use a smaller plate, that way your eyes will fool you into thinking that you have more on the plate than you actually do. Number three, make sure that you talk. Parties are for socializing, not just eating, and the more you talk, the less you'll eat. However, if you're going to choose something off the party platter, maybe you can find something like one of these healthy dips: a salsa which is low in fat, high in vitamin C and lycopenes from the tomatoes; a bean dip, which is high in fiber and low in fat, and might help you keep you full during the night; or better yet, if they've got a low-fat version of some of these chips like a low-fat baked tortilla chip or a low-fat potato chip, then go ahead and have a couple of those but always look for the fresh fruits and vegetables. Usually, you're going to find those at the party or if not, you can offer to bring them, and then maybe have a low-fat dip to go along with them: a low-fat guacamole or the guacamole is made with non-fat yogurt or lower fat mayonnaise of fat-free salad dressing; or a bean dip that you bought by yourself; a salsa made with corn that's high in fiber, low in fat. So think about these options next time you're either having a party or attending a party. Also make sure you drink lots of water that will keep you full and keep you from eating.

Healthy Food Choices: Party Foods Video

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