So you’re invited to a wedding, holiday party, or baby shower. Fun stuff. But it’s a celebration and for lots of hostesses, that means celebration food: cake, cupcakes, cake pops everything cheese, chips, and fried. So what the heck happens to your plans to eat healthy as a wedding or party guest? You use this guide, that’s what.   Eating Healthy at a Party or Wedding

Snack pre-event: Have a bit of protein plus veggies or fruit to feel full. You don’t know exactly what will be offered, so get your vitamins and minerals pre-soiree. Some of my favorite pairings are veggie sticks and hummus, fruit and cheese, or bean dip tossed with some veggies.

Limit your alcohol & soda: These drinks are dehydrating and full of empty calories. Alternate celebration drinks with water or club soda. One of the newest party trends is to use herbs or fruit frozen in ice cubes. Now that's natural flavoring.

3 Bite Desserts: Cake? Dessert buffet? Try the three-bite rule. One bite: Is it good? If not, stop eating. Two bites: Confirm you love it. Three bites: Bite 3 is the peak of taste sensation! Savored & enjoyed!

Plan your buffet: Scope out what’s offered and decide what you’ll have. Serve half of the plate up with fruits and veggies, a quarter of the plate with whole grains, and the last quarter with lean protein. Congrats! You’ve just made yourself a meal high in fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Dance! It’s physical activity, it’s good for a laugh depending on your skill level, and it keeps your mind off the huge spread of snacks. I will personally be skipping this step lest I have an Elaine moment a' la Seinfeld. 

Eat (well), drink (hydrate) and be married,

Carlene RD

Dietitian Nutritionist and cookbook author sharing flavor-forward recipes and simplified science-driven wellness.