Top 10 Healthy Party Snacks

Have you had enough of everyone telling you what NOT to eat during the holidays? How would you like a refreshing list of what you SHOULD be eating at any party year around? We know that avoiding party noshing can be frustrating and futile, but we’re here to say you don’t need to starve yourself to look good and feel great. Parties happen all year long and there’s no getting around it – and you don’t need to either! So whether you’re throwing a festive shindig for your friend who’s going away or your cousin’s birthday party is next week, discover these common healthy party snacks that are festive, delicious and will help you keep your slim figure throughout the party season… 

Healthy Party Foods #1: Red Wine

Most of us see parties as a chance to drink up and let loose, but when it comes to alcohol, choosing red wine over cocktails can save you hundreds of calories. Not only that, red wine is also rich in antioxidants that protect your heart and help your body to maintain healthy cells.

Healthy Party Foods #2: Nuts

You might be accustomed to shying away from the nuts since they are high in fat, but nuts are full of the good kind of fat – unsaturated. Unsaturated fats help promote healthy hair, skin and nails, nourishing them from the inside out. Rather than snacking on greasy chips, grab a handful of nuts – they’ll also keep you satisfied longer. For the best total fat to unsaturated fat ratio, grab a handful of hazelnuts – they’re 94% good fat!

Healthy Party Foods #3: Raw Veggies

The veggie tray is always a hit at any party! No matter what kind of veggie you love, you’ll most likely find it on the veggie tray. If you’re hosting the party, get creative and blanch asparagus, green beans and other greens for tasty dippers. Vegetables are full of nutrients and water, low in calories and 100% fat-free. But watch out for those calorie-loaded party dips!

Healthy Party Foods #4: Healthy Party Dips

Speaking of calorie-rich party dips, we’ve got some great alternatives for you. Instead of mayonnaise, sour cream or cream cheese based dips, reach for the hummus (blended chickpeas) or fresh salsa. They’re both tasty, loaded with nutrients and low in calories and fat.

Healthy Party Foods #5: Tomato Juice

If you’re not the type who likes to eat your vegetables, drink them instead! You can get one or more servings of vegetables in a glass of tomato or V8 juice, and it’s a low-fat, low-calorie drink. And, if you must have a cocktail, try a Bloody Mary for the tomato juice benefit, and don’t forget to munch on the celery! 

Healthy Party Foods #6: Fruit GaloreChances are, whichever party you’re at, there’ll be desserts – and tons of them! Fixing an aching sweet tooth is as easy as reaching for the fresh fruit. Just like veggies, fresh fruit is nutrient-dense, full of water and low in calories and fat – and they’ll help fill you up before the main courses, which are often the fattiest.

Healthy Party Foods #7: FishYou might not think of serving fish at your party, but it really does make for a fancy and nutritious treat. Try mini sushi rolls for an oriental twist or smoked salmon pieces to really light up your table. Both are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, an essential fat that is lacking in the typical American diet. Increasing your Omega-3 intake can also help promote healthy hair, skin and nails.

Healthy Party Foods #8: Air Popped Popcorn

It’s the perfect snack for those of you who need to constantly be handling food. One cup of air popped popcorn has only 30 calories and provides more than one gram of fiber. Just don’t slather on the butter, because this health-conscious snack will quickly become waistline-sabotaging. Instead, try Mrs. Dash seasonings for a tasty kick. 

Healthy Party Foods #9: Angel Food Cake

Serving cake or eyeing the cake in the kitchen? Forget the really rich and dense cakes and opt instead for angel food cake – a light and fluffy variety of cake that is low in fat and high in flavor. For an even tastier angel food cake, top your slice with fresh fruit like strawberries and a low-calorie whipped topping. If you choose well, you can literally have your cake and eat it, too!

Healthy Party Foods #10: Lemon water

OK, so this drink doesn’t sounds that festive for a party, but it’s a tasty alternative to water, and not nearly as bland. If you have a hard time wanting to drink water, squeeze a fresh lemon wedge into your glass to quench your thirst and replenish any water lost from drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages. Drinking water is great for you and doesn’t have the calories of other party drinks.

Parties are seen as a welcome time to indulge, but just because you’re feeling festive and celebratory doesn’t mean that your waistline should suffer, especially when there are so many other deliciously healthy party snacks available. Making a commitment to yourself to eat right and watch your caloric intake shouldn’t get thrown to the wayside just because of a social event.