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You might be wondering how the words ‘party’ and ‘healthy’ can be used in the same sentence. But in reality, minor tweaks to party favourites can make a world of difference to the nutritional value of your catering.
With these tips, you’ll be able to entertain and satisfy your family and friends’ wide range of dietary needs without even mentioning the word ‘diet’.
Healthy party foods
It’s very important to serve food with alcohol at your party, as guests should not be drinking on an empty stomach. The biggest problem with drinking on an empty stomach is that it destabilises your blood sugar levels. In addition, if you don’t eat while consuming alcohol your body lacks the nutrients (for example, zinc) to help process the alcohol.
So instead of the traditional (and fatty) party foods like sausage rolls, party pies and chips, here are some healthy options to serve
at your next shindig.
Oysters
Served fresh or Kilpatrick, oysters will set the mood and act as a great starter. They are full of zinc and ‘good fats’ and will help maintain blood sugar levels.
Unsalted nuts
Salt is well known for contributing to higher ‘bad’ cholesterol and most people already eat too much salt. So why give your party guests even more of the stuff?
Unsalted nuts are great to serve to guests, as they are a natural source of ‘good’ fats. They are even tastier mixed with dried fruit. Unsalted nuts will keep guests satisfied and nibbling away before the more substantial dishes are served, and they complement many alcoholic beverages well.
Homemade guacamole
Made from highly nutritious avocado, homemade guacamole will provide heart-protecting phytochemicals, plus vitamins and minerals that promote overall wellbeing.
Low-fat dips
Low-fat cottage cheese, tomato salsa, hummus, tzatziki and roast capsicum dips are great options. They can be bought from the supermarket or you can make them at home. Serve these with water crackers, corn crackers, breadsticks and vegetable sticks, such as carrot and celery.
Barbequed lamb skewers
Packed with protein, lamb also has a low GI. Buy some lean lamb, chop and add to vegetable skewers, then throw them on the barbeque or grill.
Reduced fat sausages
Hotdogs are always a favourite party food and with heart-friendly, low-fat sausages on sale these days, you can still serve them. Buy reduced fat chicken or beef sausages and serve them alone or with multigrain buns.
Sushi
A favourite for many people at any time of the day, sushi is a healthy, low-fat and versatile food. Serve the seafood variety, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, or try vegetable and lean meat alternatives.
Bruschetta
Easy to make and absolutely delicious, bruschetta can be made into mini bite-size slices and served on a large platter. It is a perfect party dish that provides a good mix of fibre and vitamin C.
Wholegrain sandwiches
Mini sandwiches filled with healthy ingredients are a simple and scrumptious party food. Use wholegrain bread and add lean meats, egg, cheese and salads to ensure guests have at least four sandwich varieties to choose from.
Salad
These are jam-packed with vitamins and minerals and have high water content to hydrate guests when they’re indulging in a few wines. Healthy options are Greek, garden and mixed green salads.
Fruit
Instead of unhealthy sweet treats filled with preservatives and added sugar, go for more natural sweetness with either fresh or cooked fruit. Make a tropical fruit platter with pineapple, melon, mango, kiwifruit, strawberries, banana and grapes, or cook fruit skewers on the barbeque.
Homemade pizza
Grab a wholemeal pizza base, tomato paste, low-fat cheese, lean meat and fresh vegetables, and you are on your way to making healthy pizzas for your party. And the beauty is that healthy pizzas can taste so good your guests won’t even realise the difference.
Healthy cocktails
Cocktails have always been fun and decadent, but there is no reason they can’t be reasonably healthy too! Here are some delicious and healthy cocktails you can serve at your next party.
Martini
The classic dirty martini is 100 per cent liquor, which means it is fairly low in calories (but shouldn’t be attempted on an empty stomach!). Ensure you use top shelf vodka, but if a flavoured variety is all that’s on hand, be careful of added sugars. The obligatory olives contain essential fatty acids for good health.
Vitatini
Combine top shelf vodka with your favourite flavoured Vitamin Water, and for a bit of fizz add some diet soft drink and lemon juice. Vitamin Water contains various vitamins depending on the flavour you choose, and adding this instead of creamier mixers will keep your guests’ waistlines in check.
Sangria
Combine top quality wine and brandy, add some fresh fruits and serve cold. This is a refreshing cocktail that people will really enjoy. Plus the fresh fruits will provide a healthy dose of vitamins and fibre.
Healthy mocktails
If you want to offer people a little bit of fun without the hangover, mocktails are a great way to go. Decorate glasses with fruit or dip them in juice and powdered sugar for a sweet-sipping experience. Here are some delicious mocktails to offer those not drinking.
Icy-red berry
Combine strawberries and cranberry juice in a blender until smooth. Pour into tall glasses and top with lemonade.
Fruit tingle
Add crushed ice to a glass and pour equal amounts of orange juice, low joule raspberry cordial, lime cordial and diet lemonade onto a spoon in the glass. This will help you keep the layers separate.
Flamingo
Pour cranberry juice, pineapple juice and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a high-ball glass and top with soda water. Garnish with a wedge of lime.
Strawberry heaven
Blend strawberries, orange juice, sugar and crushed ice until smooth.
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