3 Tips for hosting a healthy party

Though you may be one of the few who consider yourself a “super-hoster” who is not phased in the least when you entertain, chances are you are like the rest of us who find it at least somewhat stressful (if not very stressful).

What will I serve? Will everyone have a good time? Will the house look okay? Will I get everything ready in time? Will the mess be a pain to clean up?

We can’t promise to take all that stress away from you, but we can offer you a few tips for how to serve up some fun, delicious food without tossing your good nutrition intentions aside. Plus, it will leave you with some pretty tasty leftovers that you won’t have to toss (or be constantly tempted by) because they don’t fit into a healthy eating lifestyle. 

Ready for the tips? Check out our quick 3 minute video or read below.  And be sure to download our Brandout to see what brands we give the thumbs up to (along with recipes we mention here and in the video).

1).  Buy “upgraded” ready-made ingredients
This tip works especially well for appetizers, especially if you want to serve something pretty and impressive looking without spending any time in prep mode (except for chopping a few raw veggies). Instead of serving mini hot dogs, loads of cheese, unhealthy dips, and fried foods or chips, how about the following which can be found at any local supermarket? Olives, sweet peppers, and artichoke hearts at the olive bar; a pretty crudites platter (bagged mini carrots are fine to save time, but make sure they’re organic); hummus and guacamole for dip, dry roasted nuts; and quality crackers. If you DO choose to make your own dip, check out our recipe page or the super simple but yummy cashew dip we share in the Brandout.

2). Make an awesome vegetable dish
Party hosters tend to spend all their time focused on the main meat dish and leave a salad or veggie side as more of an afterthought. We suggest serving up an enticing, scrumptious veggie that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Not only will you be thrilled if you have leftovers, but you will also show your guests that veggies can taste amazing and deserve to be a highlight of the meal. 

3). Have a healthy dessert option.
So maybe you’re not ready to give up having cookies or cake for the finale, but its always a great idea to have a healthy dessert option for you AND your guests to eat. Though fruit salads are always a good bet, we also love to do something a little different. Poached pears make a warming, lovely dessert especially in the fall and winter. We also love putting out some pieces of super dark really good chocolate for guests to try. Go for a minimum of 72% cacao to ensure minimal sugar while still reaping the benefits of the cacao (up to 88% is still edible and wonderful)! 

For more fabulous info on ideal nutrition for women over 50, check out PM Meal Mastery,™ a scientifically-backed nutrition plan for optimal health, energy, and confidence after menopause. PM Meal Mastery is the nutritional program for post menopausal women who want to fuel their bodies, feel their best, and live an active, engaged life.