Healthy Party Food Ideas

Party food is a staple of many festivities, and making good health choices shouldn’t prevent you joining in the fun. Though it’s normal to be hesitant about events when you’re focusing on eating better, celebrations should always be embraced and not feared. So, whether you’re hosting a party or bringing a dish to a gathering, here are some healthy party food ideas to get you started.

Healthy party food ideas

Kicking you off with our healthy party food ideas, here are a few dishes that are sure to please your guests, and your health:

Savoury dishes:

• Sausage Rolls: These low carb, gluten free sausage rolls are easy to pass around and keep guests satisfied with their 9.6g of protein.
• Goat’s Cheese Tart: This crowd-pleaser contains all the familiar flavours of a classic tart, but with a fraction of the carbs and sugar.
• Paella: A paella is a great dish to take to a party, as it’s not only delicious, but it’s also egg, gluten, nut and dairy free.
• Harissa meatballs: Meatballs and dip make for great party finger food, and this recipe makes some simple swaps to boost their nutritional content if you’re after healthy party food ideas.

Dip:

• Whipped feta dip: This dip is rooted in Greek Cypriot tradition, packed full of gut-friendly ingredients and flavour! Serve with fresh vegetables and wholemeal tortillas for a delicious healthy party food idea for your next gathering.

Grazing platter:

A classic healthy party food idea is a grazing platter, abundant in non-starchy vegetables, cheeses, nuts, crackers and dips like homemade hummus. Visit The Fast 800 Programme for delicious, healthy recipes like seed crackers and guacamole.

Desserts:

• Low Carb Fruit Mince Pies: If you’re looking for some healthy party food ideas for your dessert table this Christmas, then having a classic fruit mince pie is a must. These low carb versions are sure to go down a storm.
• Cranberry Pistachio Biscuits: These low sugar sweet treats are ideal for gifting, or putting out in place of a box of chocolates at a party.
• Celebration Chocolate Cake: What’s a party without a cake? This healthier take on a chocolate cake contains plenty of the nutrients you need to party all night long.

5 top tips for enjoying a party, the healthy way

Now that you have a few healthy party food ideas under your belt, we’re sharing a few of our top tips for enjoying a celebration, without compromising your health.

1. Use a plate, rather than grazing at the buffet table. This way you’ll be able to track how much you’re eating more easily, and position yourself away from temptation.
2. If you’re drinking alcohol, sip a glass of water between drinks to pace yourself. Hydrating between glasses is the best way to enjoy alcohol in moderation and help prevent headaches the next day!
3. If you’re not hosting, offer to bring a dish with you. By coming up with your own healthy party food ideas and offering to bring a dish, you know you’ll have at least something to eat that will help you keep on track with your health journey.
4. Don’t turn up to a celebration too hungry. Prioritise protein, fibre and healthy fats in the meals leading up to the event so you’re not too ravenous when the party comes around. Plus, it’ll keep you energised during festivities later.
5. Finally, if you have strayed away from your healthy plan at a party, ensure to enjoy the moment, eat mindfully and go back to usual habits the following day. Be kind to yourself: after all, one night won’t derail your efforts!

Parties are a time for celebration, so make sure you enjoy yourself. Simply being mindful of what you consume is already a great first step towards a healthier way of living. For more healthy party food ideas and recipes, sign up to your 7-day free trial of The Fast 800 now.