1.     Plan carefully so there is something for everyone

Preparation is one of the best things you can do when it comes to entertaining. Without it, things can fall apart, fast. Think about some of your favorite dishes that you eat on a regular basis or platters you love to serve up at parties. Is there a way you can spice it up so it is dinner party ready? Sometimes it is all in the preparation and a sprig or two of fresh garnish on the side is all it needs. Make sure you cater to everyone’s dietary demands where possible.

Please contact us if you have questions or want to learn more about our weight loss programs or Botox and Fillers: 

• To reach our AZ Clinics, call 602-374-7226 (2 Clinics in Mesa and Phoenix) 
• To reach our NM Clinics, call 505-888-9575 (3 Clinics in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe) or 575-222-4994 (Las Cruces)
• To reach our TX Clinic, call 214-296-0269 (Dallas)
• Or visit us online to schedule an appointment: http://fitmedicalweightloss.com/

2.     Avoid carb-heavy foods

Plan for more vegetables and salads than you would normally. This way you have more than enough food to keep even the hungriest diners at bay and there will be plenty to go round. Consider what protein dishes you can serve up to complement the vegetables and salads. Keep the carbs to a minimum and avoid basing your meals around pasta or bread-based ingredients. If leftovers is your worst problem, then consider it a bonus, as you don't have to cook the next day.

3.     Ditch sauces and high-fat dressings

When it comes to produce, sometimes fresh and plain is best. Some vegetables are absolutely delicious grilled with a bit of oil, salt and pepper, and they don’t need any enhancement to make them taste better. If you do plan on serving dressings with your salad, consider putting them on the side so guests can choose precisely how much they want on their plate. This will give your guests more control over what they eat as well. After all, you may not be the only one trying to lose weight.

4.     Take portion control into account

If portion control is an issue, then consider creating dishes that will make it easy in this area. Vegetable skewers with chicken or shrimp grilled in the stove or on the barbecue are absolutely delicious, and it reduces the chance of you overindulging. Pre-cut desserts and other dishes, and have serving spoons available so you can mentally calculate exactly how much is too much.

5.     Aim for fruit-based desserts

Dessert is a great way to end the meal and it needn't be high in fat, sugar or calories either. Consider opting for a fruit-based dessert that is light and fresh. Strawberries or cherries dipped in dark chocolate tend to be a hit, or you can grill up strawberries or cantaloupes on skewers. Other fun ideas include grilled peaches, a fresh sorbet or fruit salad with an orange and poppy seed dressing.

6.     Use low fat substitutes

If you are planning on cooking a tried and true recipe, then look for creative ways to substitute low fat ingredients. There are always ways around a recipe, but if you are unsure, perhaps try something out beforehand to give it a taste test. You can substitute sugar for stevia, as an example, and in the drinks department, have plenty of low-sugar drink options to keep everyone happy.

7.     Skip the alcohol

If the party is great, and the company is interesting, alcohol may not even be missed. You may want to serve up delicious jugs of sparkling water with the addition of fresh fruit for those who choose to save the calories for main course. Strawberries, raspberries, lime and lemon make refreshing choices and you can finish with a few sprigs of mint to boost the taste sensation.

Please contact us if you have questions or want to learn more about our weight loss programs or Botox and Fillers: 

• To reach our AZ Clinics, call 602-374-7226 (2 Clinics in Mesa and Phoenix) 
• To reach our NM Clinics, call 505-888-9575 (3 Clinics in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe) or 575-222-4994 (Las Cruces)
• To reach our TX Clinic, call 214-296-0269 (Dallas)