Lisa Johnson blogs at TrueFoodMovement.com, where you can find healthy recipes and fun ideas about food.
Hot dogs, burgers, ice cream…summer parties can wreak havoc with your waistline. We’ve got five summer party themes that let you kick back and enjoy yourself instead of counting calories.
FIESTA
Think more salsa, less queso. Mexican food comes from fresh ingredients and simple preparations. There are a lot of healthy Mexican dishes such as ceviche, a taco salad, and fajitas with whole wheat wraps. There are only 146 calories in a Corona, so you can even enjoy a little beer.
Try this: Roasted Tomatillo and Pineapple Salsa
PICNIC
Lots of green grass and your besties can be so much fun at a picnic. Head to your local park with a Frisbee or volleyball and work up an appetite. When you’re done, plop down for a great meal with a variety of salads. Think chicken salad, cucumber salad, and flavored iced tea to keep things refreshing and light.
Try this: Vinegar Cucumber Salad
CLAMBAKE
Clambakes are a New England staple, and pretty healthy as far as food-themed events go. Just heat seafood and veggies with steam. The old-fashioned way includes heated stones, a sandpit, tarp and seaweed, but you can improvise on the grill with a roasting pan and some water. It’s delicious!
Try this: Shrimp, Avocado, and Cilantro Ceviche
LUAU
Not only are the little umbrellas and flowery leis adorable, the food can be prepared fresh and healthy. Prep a menu with fresh-cut pineapple as a side, grilled pork and/or tuna, coconut water and macadamia nuts in a green salad.
Try this: Pineapple Agua Fresca
FARMERS MARKET POTLUCK
This one is perfect for foodies up for a challenge. Challenge guests to bring a potluck dish sourced primarily from their local farmers market. They’ll be using only the freshest ingredients, packed with flavor. Invite them to bring along recipe cards so they can swap with friends.
Try this: Roasted Potato Salad
SURF & TURF
Reinterpret surf and turf for a true beach party. Focus on finger foods that are easy to grab and keep free of sand. Good choices include shrimp, skewers of chicken or beef, and a salad served in cups adds a little flair.
Try this: Bayou Shrimp and Sausage Kabobs
Are you planning a party this summer? What will you do to make the fare a little bit healthier for your guests?
Also Read:
4 Places Where Every Body Can Enjoy Swimsuit Shopping
5 Questions to Ask at the Farmers Market
images by Lisa Johnson, Kacy Meinecke, Dana Shultz for DietsInReview.com