There are many options when it comes to healthy meals at this time of year — it's all about taking the time to plan properly. And it doesn't mean losing out on taste, either — you just have to think laterally.
Appetisers
Sushi, pretzels, smoked salmon, rice-paper rolls, mini bruschetta, vegetable sticks and dip, and salads with light mayonnaise or low-fat dressing.
Mains
Barbecued seafood with mango salsa, hot vegetables sprinkled with dill instead of butter, lean turkey stuffed with steamed rice, toasted pine nuts and brandy-soaked dried apricots.
Desserts
Baked ricotta cheesecake drizzled with passionfruit pulp, exotic fruit salad or fruit "skewer" sticks, mini pavlovas with low-fat yoghurt and berries.
Drinks
Fruit mocktails, strawberry or lychee ice-crushes, sparkling apple or grape juice with floating ice and berries.
OVERDONE IT?
If you feel you have eaten too much, balance it out with exercise. Just 30 minutes of dancing or brisk walking can burn off about 880kJ.
PARTY TIPS
- Don't stand next to the food table — if you're not near it, you can't eat it.
- Fill up on healthy salads before you arrive, so you only have room for a small amount of food.
- Trick your mind and use a smaller plate.
- Don't eat all the crust in cheesecakes, pies and flans.
