Memorial Day is right around the corner. Are you ready for the big event? If not, don’t fret because we have some last-minute tips on how to plan a party, navigate holiday eating, and even a round-up of healthy All-American recipes.
If you’re playing host this Memorial Day weekend, DietsInReview.com’s Registered Dietitian, Mary Hartley, RD, says planning early for a big party is key. In addition to cooking as many foods as you can ahead of time, some of her recommendations include:
- Make a menu, shopping list, and list of equipment you’ll need – you might have to buy or borrow things like serving platters, a punch bowl, or a coffee urn.
- Think about your oven and refrigerator capacity to make sure you can accommodate your menu items.
- Don’t make a dish you have never tried before.
- At the party, assign someone the task of keeping the food table refreshed and cleaning up as you go.
When it comes to actually eating at the party, navigating a big spread of food can be tricky. But Mary says a few simple tricks can help keep your waistline in check. Start by limiting alcoholic drinks as they can provide a lot of empty calories. Also, don’t show up starving and have a snack before you go so you aren’t tempted to devour everything in sight when you arrive. And lastly, be discriminating and don’t snack on everything just because it’s there. Instead, pick your favorites and pass on the rest.
Recipes:
Red, White and Blue Sangria. Enjoy this patriotic spin on a classic by using white wine in place of red, and adding berries instead of traditional orange and citrus slices. This bubbly refreshment packs tons of antioxidants and will only set you back 240 calories per glass.
Red, White and Blue Turkey Burger Sliders Before you wonder where we’re headed with this, we can personally attest to its goodness. Ground turkey, salty feta cheese, and home-roasted red peppers make a flavorful base for a juicy blueberry balsamic reduction. And at only 156 calories per slider without the bun, you can have two without an ounce of guilt!
All-American Potato Salad. Potato salad at its finest, but with a healthy spin. Reduced fat sour cream and mayonnaise help keep this cookout favorite figure-friendly.
Cool Six Fruit Salad. Who needs dessert when you have fruit? This colorful recipe includes all of my fruity favorites: Bananas, watermelon, strawberries, peaches and grapes. A simple ‘dressing’ of orange juice ties the whole dish together.
We hope these tips and healthy recipes help your Memorial Day go off without a hitch. And with that, have a happy holiday weekend!
Also Read:
Get Fit with Memorial Day Activities
5 Ways to Recover Your Diet After a Holiday
Pre-Game your Memorial Day Celebration