Guests on a Diet – Hosting Tips

As Martha Stewart once mentioned about dieting, “The toughest part of a diet isn’t watching what you eat. It’s watching what other people eat.” Nothing is worse than trying to attend a party while dieting; the same goes for a host who knows that many of her guests are on a diet. While it’s next to impossible to plan the menu around all of the latest diet plans, it is possible to select low-fat or low-carb appetizers and dishes. Also, you can create an atmosphere that encourages socializing rather than appetizer feasting.

Today’s popular diets focus on different approaches to eating healthy. While some diets put the emphasis on leaving out carbohydrates, others allow only certain carbohydrates. Atkins diet, for instance, restricts refined or processed carbohydrates while the South Beach Diet does not allow any carbohydrates in its beginning phase. Also, the Carbohydrate Addicts Diet lets dieters eat carbs once a day when eaten with other proteins and vegetables.

So, what is a hostess to serve for these finicky eaters? Believe it or not, you have lots of choices. To start, leave out prepackaged party finger foods that total about 300 calories with every toss. You can find much healthier and tastier dishes that will interest both your dieting and non-dieting guests. The simplest way to pick out foods is to start with a fun party theme. By picking out a theme first, you shift the emphasis from food to activities, which many dieters appreciate. Some ideas for party themes include outdoor activities like Bocce ball, special events like Masters golf, TV shows like Desperate Housewives, and party games like Bunco. To add some pizazz to your foods that might otherwise look blasé, try arrangements that add visual appeal. For instance, arrange fruits and vegetables in the shape of a rainbow or other interesting pattern. Also, scoop fruits into fun cups and leave those by the dessert area.

Desserts are often the trickiest area to present at a party with lots of dieters. Many incredible recipes can be made with sugar replacements such as Splenda. These non-sugary baked goods usually taste no different than their sugar-laden prototypes. If possible, replace candy with flavorful shaved ice. Many reports are also claiming that certain chocolates, especially dark chocolate, in small amounts have health benefits. Many dieters also find it helpful if the desserts are cut into smaller servings.

A sit down dinner should be held at a leisurely pace rather than racing from one course to the next. The slower pace allows people to enjoy their servings rather than taking in too many calories too quickly to recognize that they’re full. Try preparing meats on a grill or chilled shrimp rather than fried and breaded meats. Many dieters appreciate soup, if the base doesn’t contain starch. You don’t have to eliminate breads. Instead, offer multi-grain or wheat breads.

Planning a party when you know many of guests are dieting can feel a bit overwhelming. However, with some planning, you can find interesting and fun ways to present a beautiful spread while keeping the guests from mulling around the food area. To quote Martha Stewart again, “A diet is a when you have to go to some length to change your width.”

Copyright 2005 Michelle Selica. All rights reserved.