Party Food

DeidreJean

Since it's getting close to the holidays (and I love cooking!), I thought I would ask if any of you have some diet-friendly party food recipes you would be willing to share? I am hosting a couple of get togethers this year, and I would really like to be able to enjoy the food without feeling guilty later. Thank you!

Pandemonium

Depending on what you usually do, I bet you can find a ton of healthier recipes for all of your holiday favorites. Even just substituting ingredients for ones that are low in fat and low in sodium can help. It's all about making simple switches.

For me personally, even when the holidays come it's still time to eat healthy. I have only had Thanksgiving pass me by, but instead of a Turkey will all the fixings, my boyfriend made us a very healthy, low-sodium Turkey Chili. We even steamed some shrimp and had those as a snack. (Kind of like those shrimp-rings you see in the grocery store.)

I don't cook too often, so sorry that this has no recipes but I just hope that this has gotten you thinking about your foods and what you can do to make them more healthy.

MsElphaba

The good thing about hosting is that you are in charge of the food. The down side, is not all you friends are probably watching what they eat. My suggestion would be to make a few of your traditional favorites, but also include some fresh veggie type options, lower cal dips and such. When I go or host a party I try to limit myself to one pass at the food line. If it's an extra long party and I need to take another pass, I stick to the lower cal/fat items. On drinks, I alternate a glass of water with my beverage of choice for the evening.

AmberElaine84

Depending on what you usually do, I bet you can find a ton of healthier recipes for all of your holiday favorites. Even just substituting ingredients for ones that are low in fat and low in sodium can help. It's all about making simple switches.

For me personally, even when the holidays come it's still time to eat healthy. I have only had Thanksgiving pass me by, but instead of a Turkey will all the fixings, my boyfriend made us a very healthy, low-sodium Turkey Chili. We even steamed some shrimp and had those as a snack. (Kind of like those shrimp-rings you see in the grocery store.)

I don't cook too often, so sorry that this has no recipes but I just hope that this has gotten you thinking about your foods and what you can do to make them more healthy.

I agree!! You can find TONS of healthier versions online of holiday favorites, and lots of people don't even know the difference!!

cccathyyy

I remember a certain nutella dip recipe that you shared with me, all I did was subsitute ingredients and made it way healthier. I think that's a great idea, just trying to subsitiute ingredients in recipes we love already, will be a great step. Say, stuffing for instance, instead of regular sausage, you could put turkey sausage. Most recipes have a ton of butter, but I bet you wouldn't miss half of it in a savory dish... Chocolate cream pie can be made with sugar free pudding and fat free cool whip. Last year I brined my turkey, and it was super moist and flavorful, yes you'd add salt to the dish, but I bet you wouldn't need to add tons of gravy to it because it was dry... Steamed vegetables can be added as a side, as well as roasted root vegetables with a touch of olive oil.

just some quick ideas

DeidreJean

I do use substitutions a lot, but I really need ideas for appetizers- I'm thinking one of the parties will be heavy hors d'oeuvres instead of a sit down dinner- I'm up for any ideas you may have, and thanks, everyone!

MzBug

I usually end up hosting for many "football Sundays" at our house. So far the favorites are the shrimp cocktail, buffalo wings, garlic wings BBQ wings and stuffed potatoes. When I do the potatoes (some call them twice baked) I use imitation butter extract mixed in low fat sour cream, low fat sharp cheddar, and Hormels 50% less crumbled bacon and just a touch of skim milk to mash it all together. I use some small to medium russet potatoes, bake them, cut them in half lengthwise, scoop out the flesh into a bowl and add the other goodies and mash it all together. I then stuff the skins with the goop, sprinkle a little more cheese on top and put it back in the oven until the cheese on top melts. There is always the fresh vegies and low cal dip, mixed fresh fruit, and a bowl of baked potato chips. Sometimes around half time I will pop some cookies (from fridge package) in the oven. Depending on if the wives come or not the only things left are the vegies and fruit. LOL