Thursday, June 18, 2015

Make Your Summer Party Diet and Fitness Friendly!

Enjoying fun occasions outdoors with friends and family is what summer is all about, and it is a great time of year to host a party at your home, because you can make full use of outdoor spaces like your garden, patio or pool. Of course, if you are dieting or are generally trying to follow a fitness plan, the idea of a party can be somewhat off putting – surely it will mean fattening foods, alcohol, and generally breaking the plan you have stuck so hard to for the day?

Actually, you can create a really fun summer party that will not be a challenge for your willpower. By serving up healthy food and drinks and arranging for activities that involve a lot of moving around, you and any of your friends who are also watching their fitness can have fun – and so can any guests who aren't so size or fitness conscious!
Here are some ideas:

Food

Every party needs food, but just because you are going for healthy options doesn't mean you are limited to boring carrot and celery sticks with low fat dips!

Summer is barbecue season, and grilling is a very healthy way to cook meat or fish as you don't need to add any extra fat. Use lean cuts of meat like steaks, chicken or turkey fillets, or fish on the barbecue, and if you want to do burgers, make them yourself using the leanest ground beef. You can also throw vegetables like onions, corn on the cob, and asparagus on the grill as healthy sides.

You can also serve things like rice salad, pasta salad and potato salad, but avoid using full fat dressings (especially mayonnaise) and consider other options like fat free yoghurt based ones.

Beverages

If you decide to serve alcoholic beverages, remember that the lowest calorie options are wine or hard liquor with calorie free mixers. Beer is the most calorie and carb laden drink, so if you are supplying beer for guests who want it, make sure there are some lower calorie options like diet cocktails and wine for yourself and anyone else who is watching their intake but still wants to drink at a party.

Activities

Encourage people to dress for an active day, and if you have a pool, make sure you supply things like balls and noodles that people can play with, rather than lilos for lying around doing nothing on! You can consider making an activity the centerpiece of your day, for example with mechanical bull rental, paintball, a softball match or a dance competition for your guests. These things ensure a fun and often hilarious time, but also get guests moving and sweating – ideal for those of you who are trying to lose weight or get fitter! You can also have things like ping pong, swing ball, or volleyball set up for people to play if you have the space.


Sticking to a fitness plan when you have a party can be easier than it sounds, and you can also make it the best party of the year for any friends who are also trying to reach weight or fitness goals!

26 delicious comments:

Masshole Mommy said...

I always try to cook healthy foods when I host. My issue is going to parties hosted by other peopl who don't serve as healthy food as I do.

Christy Maurer said...

These are some very good ideas for sticking to your diet and still having a fun party! I try to only drink water, so that does save on calories.

Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle said...

These are great ideas. It can be difficult to stick to a healthy lifestyle when you're throwing a bash.

Dawn McAlexander said...

I would love to throw a summer party like this one. I love to get outdoors and enjoy the weather. Unfortunately right now it is just too hot where I live. Ugh! When it cools off, though, let the party commence!

touristmeetstraveler said...

Big fan of shrimp, they are so low calorie that it is insane! I love eating them, they are some of my favorites. Great way to keep a summer party nice and healthy.

Liz Mays said...

I like the idea of making an activity the focus of the party. Serving healthy options is a
necessity too.

Desirae Young said...

Thanks so much for this post! I will have to pin it or later. We are always looking for some healthy ways to make our parties not so full of junk!

Sandy Segur said...

I am trying to plan a party for my daughter in August with a Cowgirl Western theme for her birthday. Coming up with healthy items for the meal are a struggle. As I want the meal to go with the theme. However, I have found a few items I can make a healthy version. Takes some planning I know, I can get it all done in time.

Uplifting Families said...

This looks like a ton of fun. I haven't thrown a party in a while but when we do, I usually serve chicken for the guests. I also make sure I have salad or other veggies. Then for drinks I usually make unsweetened tea.

Lisa said...

I always try to take into account people's allergies too. As somebody who is gluten free, I know how hard it is to go to somebody's else house and find something to eat.

Ann B said...

I try to have a lot of options for everyone when i have company over. I always ask about food allergies and diets.

ourfamilyworld said...

These are great ideas. I try to serve different kids of food whenever I host a party, so there's something for everyone. The shrimp kebobs look delicious!

CourtneyLynne said...

Hehehehe I usually eat heathy myself, but when cooking for others and for parties, forget it lol... It's as yummy as can be ;-)

Unknown said...

I try to eat healthy, for the most part I am usually unsuccessful. This would definitely be a challange for me.

Winter White said...

wow that set up is prettyful :) These are great tips, especially during the summer when people want to stay fit .

Autumn Blues Reviews said...

Really great ideas. Anything to help promote a healthier lifestyle is a good thing. Thank you for sharing.

Unknown said...

Not too many get togethers are diet friendly. I love this idea and will be bringing the healthy options with me from now on.

HilLesha O'Nan said...

I haven't had any family gatherings or parties lately. However, I agree that having healthy options when dieting is a wonderful way of sticking to your diet. It also helps promote a healthier lifestyle for others.

Liz said...

You have got some mouthwatering shrimp! I love shrimp, and they look sooo yummy in your picture! Maybe I'll make some tomorrow. That's it! Done!

mail4rosey said...

Summer really is for barbequing. My daughter in law loves shrimp, your post made me think of her.

April Grant said...

Great ideas. I think we're definitely going to grab some shrimp for the upcoming barbeque. I just found these great oils and vinegars that keep the calories low. This one date vinegar is super low calorie but tastes almost like bbq sauce without all of the sugars.

Unknown said...

All that food looks absolutely delicious! Makes my excited for my next family gathering!

spiffykerms said...

Yup, this is my kinda party - fitness and good food involved. Next time I want to be invited, haha! :)

ProbablyCrafting said...

all great ideas and that spread looks amazing! I would love to attend a party like that!

krystal said...

Shrimp is my favorite appetizer to serve. So many delish ways to serve it! I love these tips.

Unknown said...

You have some great ideas. I find it so hard to stick to a diet in summer lol I just have workout harder to burn off all the extra calories.

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