Parties & Events
- Drink plenty of water before you go.
- Have some hummus and veggies or a light meal at home so you don’t show up starving.
- Get a little healthy fat in you before you go so your body is satisfied.
- Bring a dish to the potluck that fills your nutrition needs.
- Don’t go straight to the bar and stay hydrated as you drink.
- Wine and beer have fewer calories than fancy cocktails.
- Lay off the creamy, battered and fried foods.
- Stick to grilled or fresh foods.
- Shrimp cocktail
- Guacamole
- Hummus
- Salsa
- Crudité platter
- Chicken kebabs with peanut sauce
- Roasted squash
- Fresh fruit
- Dark chocolate
- Controlled portion sizes
- Sugar: Use honey, dates, fruit puree, dried fruit, carrot or beet puree.
- Stuffing: Cut the bread in half and use whole grain bakery bread. Substitute wild rice or potatoes for the bread if you’re going gluten-free. Add fruit or vegetables. Use herbs to increase flavor. Bake it in egg and soup stock
- Butter: Save it for bread and not for cooking. Use other oils for cooking. Nut butters and yogurt are great for spreads.
- Dessert: Cored, baked apples with nuts, dried fruit and spices are compact and convenient. Use quality ice cream, yogurt or sorbet in small portions if your guests demand a cold treat.
Abbie Gellman, MS, RD, is a professionally-trained chef and Registered Dietitian. Abbie has over 10 years of hospitality and food and beverage consulting experience and nearly 10 years of nutrition-related experience.