Healthier birthday foods

I'm assuming you want finger food kinds of things for grazing. If you're planning a sit down meal just let us know.

Choose your condiments wisely, as dips and dressings can add hidden calories. Sour cream based dips would be lower calorie than mayonnaise based dips, for example. And salsa is always a good choice. Sour cream with salsa mixed in makes an easy dip that's good with chips. Just mind your portions. Definitely offer vegetables as dippers. I find celery filling, if not especially tempting.

Berries are lower in carbs and calories than things like apples and bananas, by weight. They are not terribly filling but they do feel like a party in my mouth. Maybe it's just me.

If salt isn't an issue you can roll up deli meats. They tend to be low in fat and you get some protein. Depends on your budget whether you go with budget or real deli case stuff.

It isn't a party without cheese, but it's high in fat. Cubes of a good Swiss/Jarlsberg are a good compromise.

Sugar-free isn't carb or calorie-free, of course. But you could try sf cookies or candies. Me, I would just eat the cake -- but only a small piece.

Olives, in moderation. Cherry tomatoes are great too.

Fizzy fruity waters with no sugar added?

I'm a big fan of taco bars, because everybody can customize their own plate. With the same basic ingredients you can create tacos, taco salad, burritos, burrito bowls, etc. You can load your plate with greens and protein, and things like refried beans are pretty filling even if you just eat a little. Aldi makes a good low-carb flour tortilla, and their Casa Mamita or Pueblo Lindo taco shells are sodium free. Corn tortillas have fewer carbs/calories than flour ones. Cilantro and jalapeño toppings add almost no calories, and you can have fresh ingredients like chopped onions and milder peppers.

Oh, and yogurt parfaits are pretty healthy and filling. Yogurt parfait bars are even better as you can limit yourself to a drizzle of the sweet stuff. Plain or vanilla yogurt (Greek works, or low-carb), berries or chopped fruit, granola, honey, jam or no-sugar-added fruit spread. Easy to set up; looks beautiful served in a clear container.

And happy birthday!

In general, portion control.

Did you want ideas for finger foods or a sit down meal?

I like the taco bar idea above.

I also just make sure there are some lower calorie, bulky options available so I can fill up on those while having a few higher calorie items.

Just enjoy yourself and don’t count for one day.

If I’m trying to stick to my diet and still eat party food, I make ceviche or shrimp cocktail. Fruit salad and veggie trays are good too. You could also do some kebabs or meatballs, salmon, pasta in a light sauce, tacos without cheese, etc.

It's your birthday, the one day of the year that is about YOU and (IMO) doing what YOU want. If you feel better making healthier foods, go for it. However, I have never eaten in a deficit or even at maintenance on my birthday. As others have said, one day won't make or break weight loss, as long as you don't use it as an excuse to overeat for several days after (and even then you can get back on track).

If it were me, I'd make what I want, then give leftovers (or most of them) away to friends so I can get back on track.

I have made fruit kebabs with assorted fruits and topped with a drizzle of white chocolate. They are colorful and low calorie and make ahead then chill in the fridge. Angel food cake and berries are also good and great for diabetic desserts.

emilietho04 wrote: »

Hello, i am celebrating my birthday for the first time since I've started my diet, and I want to make some food for my guests that i will also be able to eat without eating too many calories but also feel full from eating. Does anyone have suggestions?

@emilietho04 - Have a great birthday celebration!

Some party ideas- I second the crudité platter. Some dips for the veggies. What about a charcuterie platter and people can pick what they like? Can include some fruit, mustard and meat options.

Last party I went to had an oyster bar.. low calorie. Just get plenty of ice and some lil buckets for the shells. Shrimp cocktail?

If you are looking to cut down on sweets.. maybe finger food desserts .. macarons or mini cupcakes for guests? Can also do a lite sorbet as a palate cleanser in between courses if it’s a sit down dinner.

Whatever you choose. Have fun!