If you’ve ever headed out to a holiday party concerned that there will only be calorie-laden options, you’re not alone. In fact, this is one of our clients’ biggest holiday concerns.
But don’t fret – there are plenty of ways to guarantee that you’ll have food choices that won’t set you back hundreds or thousands of calories.
The best trick is to bring your host a healthy dish! It doesn’t have to be an elaborate entrée and it can be something easy and fun. Here are a few great options:
Veggie Trays
Some of our clients’ favorite things to bring are veggie trays. This way, they can first fill up on the low-calorie vegetables they brought, so they’re not ravenous when they are tempted by fatty offerings like pigs in a blanket and quiches. It doesn’t have to be an ordinary or boring veggie tray. Add a fun and festive touch by making a wreath shaped out of veggies, shaping your veggies into a Christmas tree, or using vegetables that are cut into sticks to make many mini-menorahs. For a healthy dip, use non-fat Greek yogurt with garlic and onion powder. Although a bit high in salt, many of our clients love mixing French onion dip mix in their Greek yogurt. Salsa is a great option too.
Watermelon Snowman
Why not bring a watermelon snowman? We brought this to a family party and it was such a hit!
Tammy’s little daughters helped to find the sticks that were used to make the snowman’s arms. All that they could talk about the entire car ride to the party (and the ride lasted two hours!) was that they couldn’t wait to dive into the watermelon snowman that they made.
Plus, you can’t go wrong with watermelon – it’s packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin B 6 to keep eyes healthy and boost immunity.
Christmas Tree Hummus Plate
For another easy, healthy party tray idea, try the Christmas Tree hummus plate. Just slice whole wheat pita pockets into triangles and shape all of the little triangles into one large Christmas tree. Then place various hummus varieties at the base of the tree where the presents would normally be.
Whatever healthy dish you decide to bring, you’ll feel good knowing that you are bringing something that won’t sabotage your healthy eating plan. And your host will appreciate it too!
What do you do to prevent yourself from overdoing it at the holiday party?
The Nutrition Twins work with the National Watermelon Board to help people to learn the health benefits of watermelon.
