The party season is fast approaching. From the Melbourne Cup to Australia Day, the Australian summer is choc full of soirées and after work cocktail functions, but it needn’t mark the end of your healthy diet. Filling up on the right beverages and nibbles when they’re being handed to you on a platter (literally) can be a minefield.
Use our dos and don’ts to make sure you sip the safest party tipple and hoe down on the right hors d’oeuvres and still get into your party dress with ease.
Fill your tank
If you’re heading out straight from the office, the last thing on your mind is having a snack. However drinking on an empty stomach is a surefire recipe for a hangover, not to mention a canapés binge. Have a light meal with proteins, such as nuts, legumes or eggs. Even a berry and yoghurt smoothie will do the trick.
Keep it simple
Avoid fancy-looking cocktails (read: sugar, colourings and preservatives) and stick to clear spirits like gin or vodka or a glass or two of white wine soda spritzer. Alternate each alcoholic drink with water for a clear head the morning after.
Be the early bird
It’s better to arrive at a drinks party when healthier savoury nibbles are being passed around, so be early and get the worm. Later on you could be forced to travel sans food, or with fried or sugary late night alternatives.
Don’t eat all the pies
Stodge like the requisite party quiches, sausage rolls, pastries and curry puffs are a dieter’s nightmare. Also keep an eye on rich dipping sauces, dips and or mayo-laden coleslaw and potato salads (just because it’s called a salad doesn’t mean it’s healthy). Fresh vegetables and vinaigrette are your friend.
Be savvy
Give Tempura veg and vol au vents a wide berth and move onto the smoked salmon, grilled tiger prawns, sushi, vegetable crudités and chicken skewers.
Keep tabs
The distraction of chatting, drinking and entertainment may mean tallying up your takings is more difficult. Get a small plate, sit down at a table and be mindful about what you’re eating.
Sugar high
When your blood sugar is high, you produce more of the hormone insulin, which is a fat-storing hormone. Stabilise your blood sugar levels by eating more protein.
Just a hand full
Carrying a clutch bag in one hand and a glass in the other is one way of not being tempted to pick!
Slip out
Leaving before the cheese plate materialises avoids unnecessarily stockpiling the calories on excess booze and party treats.
But most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy! CBM
