Making Healthy Choices At Parties

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

31 Dec 2006 01:05 PM

New Year's Eve! Time to celebrate! And that usually means time to eat, too. Believe it or not, there are party foods out there that have great health benefits.

• Applesauce and apples are a great source of fiber. Eat the skin if you can -- it's a great source of quercetin, which can help prevent heart disease.
• Cheese is full of calcium and protein. Get the most health benefit from hard cheeses, rather than soft ones.
• Cranberry sauce, just like cranberry juice, can be great for fighting bacteria that cause urinary tract infections.
• Dark chocolate is all the rage these days for healthy flavonoids that help lower your cholesterol.
• Green beans are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Potassium helps protect your bones.
• Mixed nuts are full of protein and unsaturated fats. Just don't plow through the bowl of mixed nuts; watch your portion size.
• The pumpkin in your pie is a great source of potassium and fiber. Pumpkin also contains carotenoids that help your body produce vitamin A and fight unhealthy free radicals.
• Sweet potatoes are also full of potassium and carotenoids. You'll also get a nice dose of vitamin C and fiber.

And sometimes, it doesn't hurt to say yes to something that isn't as healthy. Moderation is key here -- have a tiny taste so you'll feel satisfied. Plan ahead to know what you want to splurge on and what you can pass up without feeling deprived. Don't go overboard! Make the bulk of your party meal foods with fewer calories, less sodium, and more fiber.

• Whole grains like whole wheat rolls instead of white rolls
• Steamed seafood and meats instead of anything fried
• Fresh fruit and veggies -- and go easy on the dressings and dips
• Keep your mouth busy with a piece of gum so you aren't picking and nibbling

Find more healthy eating tips at the Food Blog and the Weight Loss Blog!

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Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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