New Year’s Soiree

Champagne ToastPlanning on hosting a New Year’s Eve gathering? Don’t wait to January 1st to start waist management by making the right choices for your New Year’s spread.

Finger foods and easy-to-eat snacks are much better for a party where guests are arriving at different times throughout the evening. Make healthier versions of snacks and hors d’ouevres without sacrificing elegance. Try making cheddar and apple crostini, zucchini fritters, spicy tuna cups, or stuffed mushrooms, all ahead of time before your guests arrive and pop in the oven 10 minutes before your party begins.

Low Fat White RussianDon’t forget the cocktails, but remember that some mixed drinks are hidden calorie traps and can be loaded with sugar. As I watch my skiing buddies here in Killington sip super sweet gumbays, made with pineapple juice and several types of rum, I started thinking of low sugar options that I might serve to avoid the sugar traps of traditional drinks and drink mixes. Try these options to make it a lighter toast for your guests:

Instead of tequila sunrise or screwdriver, try a splash of grapefruit juice, chopped fresh mint and a dash of vodka over seltzer and ice.

Instead of white Russians that are made with heavy or light cream, try making a “hot” white russian with a whole vanilla bean heated in non-fat skim milk with one shot of coffee flavored liquor.

If you’re in the mood for something spicy, try Bloody Mary mixes which are naturally low in sugar, fat free and low in calories (about 50 calories for an 8 ounce glass). Add one shot of vodka and you’ll have a low-cal drink weighing in at about 150 calories.

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Related Posts

  • Read more about how to have a healthy happy hour.
  • See my Healthy Happy Hour drinks in the July issue of Self magazine, and find out how to make fresh and light cocktails at home.
  • Read more about hidden calories in holiday drinks from nutritionist Joy Bauer.

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