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Entertaining Tips

Entertaining can be fun, even when you’re trying to keep your dinner parties light and healthy. Whether you’re the host of the party, or you’re a guest, there are tons of ways to keep your get-togethers fun, delicious and nutritious! Here are some great tips from nutritionist
Keri Glassman, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.

Hosting a party? Use these tips to keep your party a healthy success!
• Preparation:
	— Add some fiber!
		•	Serve whole grains or whole-grain blends when serving pasta or rice. Arrowhead Mills quinoa or brown basmati rice are delicious options.
	— Go lean!
		•	Serve lean meats and fish. Try broiling fish with herbs, spices and a little Hain Pure Foods sea salt or serving lean meats with less marbling such as top sirloin or pork tender loin. They are just as tasty!
	— Soup's on!
		•	Studies show that people eat less calories overall when soup is eaten first. Try Imagine Organic Creamy Butternut Squash, Creamy Tomato, or Creamy Tomato Basil soups.
• Serving:
	— Be a savvy server.
		•	Know that what you serve and when you serve it makes a big difference!
		•	Instead of fried appetizers, offer more fruits and veggies. Not only is this a healthier option, serving raw fruits and veggies requires very little preparation! Get creative with the veggies you choose for crudités and how you serve it. Try with Spectrum Grill & Finishing Sauces.
		•	At parties, calories tend to add up in the form of alcohol. Instead of mixing alcohol and high-sugar juices, be sure to supply low-calorie, delicious and refreshing alternatives to beer and mixed drinks, like club soda with lime, wine spritzers, a holiday Celestial Seasonings tea, low fat egg nog, or non-dairy Rice Nog by Rice Dream.
	— Mini is in!
		•	Serve bite sized desserts instead of large plated desserts. Your guests will save calories and they are more fun to eat too! Mix SunSpire chocolate covered cranberries with fresh berries and place in a shot glass for a perfectly delicious portioned treat!
	— Downsize your dinner!
		•	Use smaller plates to encourage smaller meals. Use appetizer plates only!
	— Don’t waste calories on condiments!
		•	Keep all condiments, dips and sauces as light and low calorie as possible. Substitute high fat cheese and mayo based dips for healthier alternatives such as hot sauce, non fat plain yogurt, mustards, Spectrum red wine vinegar or other flavored vinegars.
• Entertaining:
	— Get Moving!
		•	Make a dance floor and encourage your guests to move! You may also try organizing an active game so the focus of the party isn’t revolved around food.

Going as a guest? Here are some great ways to stay healthy and still have fun if you’re attending a party…
	— Don't go hungry!
		•	I always say “ruin your appetite.” A small handful of almonds should do the trick.
	— Be the # 1 guest!
		•	Bring a healthy dish! Why not contribute and serve something beneficial to your host and to your health.
	— Fill your plate once!
		•	Focus on veggies first to fill the majority of your plate, then take a serving of the leanest protein available and round off the meal with a small portion of the most nutritious starch.
	— Eat slowly!
		•	Remember that it takes time for your body to feel full.
	— Go sober...
		•	At least skip your first drink. Don't let alcohol ruin your healthy diet! At parties, calories tend to add up in the form of alcohol and you will be more likely to over consume calories from food too.
	— Be a social butterfly!
		•	Remember to mingle! Don’t stand in front of the buffet table. Get chatting!

Enjoy! Whether you’re entertaining, or being entertained, parties are opportunities to be social, so have fun! Remember that you can make easy healthy choices that won’t derail your healthy lifestyle!