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Tasteful Entertaining

Healthy Holiday Party Tricks

Dec 19, 2019

It’s that time of year: gatherings, occasions, catch-ups, parties, festivities – you name it, and there’s an occasion going on! Generally, these occasions are surrounded by more so indulgent foods such as cookies, cakes, pies, tarts, and drinks all around. 

The holiday season can seem overwhelming – especially to those who may be following a specific dietary pattern. I wanted to share with you some of my party tricks to ensure you can keep to your health goals, all while still having a great time. 

  • Go in with a plan
    • Same as when you show up to a meeting, you have a plan, so show up to the party with a plan! When you have a plan, remind yourself of the health goals you are trying to achieve, it is a lot easier to stick to the plan when you have a clear purpose in mind.  The plan could be to mingle more, eat veggies before more indulgent meals, or participate in an activity.
  • Do not show up hungry
    • People tend to have the mindset to save their appetite for an event and not eat until then. This can affect your metabolism by going for hours without eating and then when you finally do eat, the body cannot digest quickly since it has shut off. Also, this may cause you to overeat instead, since by the time you get to eat, you are starving.
  • Scan, select, satisfy
    • SCAN the food selection to see what is going to help you maintain your goal, then SELECT the top three or four food items that you are most interested to try, which will will help SATISFY yourself when you do not feel deprived in your options and get to eat the foods you enjoy. 
  • Do not eat with your hands
    • A big way excess calories can sneak in during the holiday season is picking at food because it is around. Eating with your hands generally entails chips, crackers, pastries, and endless amounts of cheese leads to additional calories you did not account for. Therefore, a tip is to not eat with your hands. You can still enjoy these foods but put them on a plate, have a set amount, sit down finish and be done, and do not casually graze from the table during the event. 

You want to keep a positive healthy eating experience – the holidays are not a time to dread because of your health goals or restrict yourself. Use the holidays to practice balance and maintain. It IS possible to enjoy the holiday season, stick to your health goals, and enjoy dessert!

Below are some healthier options you can whip up to bring to a holiday party using Libby’s® Fruit & Vegetables.

  

roasted-diver-scallops-over-pea-puree

Roasted Diver Scallops Over Pea Purée served with Libby’s® Sweet Peas

The sweet peas can be a lower-calorie option that can be a fancy touch to your spread.

Make this recipe

glazed-carrots-with-spicy-pecans

Glazed Carrots with Spicy Pecans made with Libby’s® Sliced Carrots

These carrots are sweet and spicy with a small protein kick from the pecans.

Make this recipe

herbed-chicken-and-veggies-slow-cooker

Herbed Chicken and Veggies (Slow Cooker) made with Libby’s® Sliced Carrots

Boneless chicken breast is a great option lean high protein option to incorporate in the holiday menu.

 

Make this recipe

 

For more recipe ideas and inspiration, check out Libby’s® Recipe Box and Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.