 |
Hosting Tips - Go Ahead And Invite Those Guests On A Diet!
by Michelle Selica
http://www.foodiet.com
As Martha Stewart once mentioned about dieting, "The
toughest part of a diet isn't watching what you eat. It's
watching what other people eat." Nothing is worse than
trying to attend a party while dieting; the same goes for a
host who knows that many of her guests are on a diet. While
it's next to impossible to plan the menu around all of the
latest diet plans, it is possible to select low-fat or
low-carb appetizers and dishes. Also, you can create an
atmosphere that encourages socializing rather than appetizer
feasting.
Every popular diet focuses on different ways to eat healthy.
Some diets emphasize no carbs while others permit some
carbs. For example, the Atkins diet doesn't allow processed
or refined carbs and the South Beach Diet starts out by
prohibiting carbs. However, in the last stages of the South
Beach Diet, dieters can eat only good carbs. Some diets
like Carbohydrate Addicts Diet allow carbs if only consumed
once a day along with a protein or vegetable.
So, what is a hostess to serve for these finicky eaters?
Believe it or not, you have lots of choices. To start,
leave out prepackaged party finger foods that total about
300 calories with every toss. You can find much healthier
and tastier dishes that will interest both your dieting and
non-dieting guests. The simplest way to pick out foods is
to start with a fun party theme. By picking out a theme
first, you shift the emphasis from food to activities, which
many dieters appreciate. Some ideas for party themes
include outdoor activities like Bocce ball, special events
like Masters golf, TV shows like Desperate Housewives, and
party games like Bunco.
The presentation of the healthy foods often adds an element
of pleasure to these otherwise uninteresting foods. For
instance, why set out a pile of carrots and celery when you
can arrange them like a rainbow across a beautiful platter?
Try the same idea with fruits. Since many diets prefer the
participant to replace fatty and carb-rich desserts with
ripe and sweet fruits, place a selection of fruits by the
dessert area to help dieters feel a part of the full buffet
experience.
Desserts are sometimes the hardest foods to offer at
parties. Many dieters feel deprived when they walk past
these sugar-laden treats. Try baking some desserts with a
sugar replacement like Splenda, which tastes just like the
real thing. How about tossing candy and serving flavored
shaved ice? Fortunately, many dieters are learning that
certain chocolates like dark chocolate in small servings
have health benefits. Also, dish up desserts in smaller
serving sizes.
If a sit down dinner is part of the plans, plan the dinner
at a very leisurely rate. Don't try to rush from one dish
to the next. When you eat at a slower pace, you can
recognize quicker when you are full compared to quickly
stuffing food in your mouth. Stay away from fried or
breaded foods and prepare grilled foods or chilled foods
like shrimp. Soups are only a good idea if you pick a soup
prepared without starch. Breads don't have to be left out;
however, avoid white breads and stick with multi-grain or
wheat.
Planning a party when you know many of guests are dieting
can feel a bit overwhelming. However, with some planning,
you can find interesting and fun ways to present a beautiful
spread while keeping the guests from mulling around the food
area. To quote Martha Stewart again, "A diet is a when you
have to go to some length to change your width."
Submit An Article
|
|
|
