Women have asked me this question enough times when I’m coaching them where I believe this is a huge part in being proud to be healthy. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, embarrassed of, or feel you’re being high-maintenance. There’s no reason to deny your health goals if you want to continue it at a social situation. It’s all about being prepared, being honest, and being generous.

So in doing some research here are some common tips that always come up:

1. Eat before you go. This was by far the most popular tip, and probably the most useful. …
2. Place limits. …
3. Plan ahead. …
4. Drink lots of water and eat fruits and veggies. …
5. Have a big salad before the main course. …
6. Log what you eat, so you’ll be more aware of it.
7. Avoid alcohol. …
8. Bring your own.

(Courtesy of Zen Habits)

I agree with some but let’s step out of the norm and get even more creative and proud of choosing healthy foods. Why does every party have to be about fried, creamed, overly-cheesy, chippy and dippy kind of foods? It’s as if no one believes that healthy is delicious. Here are my tips to make the party more exciting and one you’ll look forward to:

1. Ask the host if a fun game can be played- and give some suggestions! It’s nice when there’s action going on and the party isn’t solely focused on drinking, eating, and talking. A game where the guests can get to know one another more and veer away from their comfort cluster is a wonderful way to make the party more enjoyable.
2. Do not go starving- I can’t stress that enough. Make sure your day is like any other day where you’re nourishing your body and blood sugar with healthy proteins, fats, and complex carbs.
3. Be generous and bring 2 appetizers of your own! Or bring a side dish- make it a vegetable dish. Perhaps a healthier cocktail for the bar. You’d be surprised how many people will thank you (including the host!) for bringing an item or two- you may be able to find a few new health-minded friends where you can have some wonderful conversations. You don’t have to eat what is at the party if you don’t want to.
4. Continue your healthy habits throughout the day of the party. I always say get some source of exercise in that day. To boost the confidence, have the endorphins flowing, ensuring that your “feel good” feeling will continue throughout the event.
5. Talk about your health to others. You don’t have to preach, there is a way to do this where it’s NOT annoying. Never appear you are superior, know more, do more, or are stronger than anyone you talk to. Talking about health has to be done in a HEALTHY way. You can be proud without appearing superior. You can be informative without preaching. Another tip is listening and learning from others at the same time. When you talk about your health goals and lifestyle, there will be interest, questions, AND accountability at the event where you’ll be less likely to pick up a hot wing.

Here are 5 easy and healthy recipes for your party list:

1. I love buffalo sauce and bleu cheese so this is a perfect alternative to the world of hot wings: http://www.eatingwell.com/video/6957/how-to-make-buffalo-cauliflower-bites/
2. Ceviche! Get some cooked shrimp and dice up with fresh veggies, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic. I love jicama for some crunch!
3. Trio of guac. Guacamole will never get old but why not get some conversations started with a trio of different versions of this healthy dip? Mix small cubes of watermelon with guacamole for a refreshing summer dip. Rick Bayless has an awesome recipe that calls for mixing almond butter (yes, it is delicious) and toasted pumpkin seeds. He also has a BLT one where you add diced tomato and bacon (find nitrate free bacon- if you can get locally even better). How about caramelizing red onion with ghee and garlic and mixing it in the guac? (I literally just thought of that!)
4. Buy some organic chicken tenders and make your own chicken satay. Season chicken as you wish: salt, pepper, cumin, garlic, whatever floats your boat. Place chicken tenders on skewers and sear on the stovetop for 2 min each side, or until a toasty brown. Place in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes. Make an almond butter sauce:

• 1 1″ piece ginger, peeled.
• 1 small garlic clove.
• 1/2 cup creamy almond butter.
• 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce (find gluten free if possible).
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice.
• 1 teaspoon (packed) light brown sugar (you can omit but a tsp won’t kill you).
• 1/4 -1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes.
• Garnish with sliced cucumbers and red onions that have been marinating in white wine vinegar and olive oil.

5. Simple and easy zucchini fritters (dairy, grain, and gluten free) are super filling, nutritious and tasty. I like to make an aioli with avocado mayo (thrivemarket.com) , garlic, lemon juice, and any other herbs lying around. Or mix the mayo with Sriracha for a dip with a kick.

See? Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean a veggie tray with hummus (yawn!) but a world of endless possibilities. Try hosting a party where you showcase your talents and way of eating – share the recipes or where you bought something. Create a world that isn’t afraid of healthy foods. I have found that healthy foods cooked the right way, with the right seasonings, and with love, are far more delicious than anything put in a deep fryer or coated in bread crumbs. Trust yourself and your passion- and have fun! Cheers!

XO-

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