Skinny and healthy new year

Melissa Douse, Contributor

How many of us have made resolutions to either lose weight or adopt a more healthy diet this year?

After the binge we went on over the holidays, the thought of dieting or changing our eating habits makes us groan. However, achieving that goal can be much easier than you think - not only can healthy be tasty, it can also be affordable.

If you or a close friend have a healthier lifestyle on your resolution list, you can still throw a fabulous dinner party or get-together on a budget without piling on the calories. Here are six tips that are sure to help make this transition easy for both you and your friends.

1. Don't Be Afraid of Colour

When people think healthy they automatically think green, green and more green. The more colourful the food you serve, the more appealing it will be to the eye, the more flavour you'll pack into each bite and the more nutrition you'll provide to your guests.

2. Don't forget seasoning

Just because it's healthy, does not mean it can't taste good. Citrus zest, herbs, garlic and onions can give you a major flavour punch.

3. Downsize your plates

Serve appetisers on very small plates and main dishes on larger salad plates. Remember, it is about portion sizes, which is crucial to dieting.

4. Remember the Drinks!

If you and your friends used to hit it up big with cocktails and other booze, tickle their taste buds with a healthy version of a classic cocktail favourite. My personal favourite is a Bloody Mary without the vodka - it eliminates all the calories that come with the vodka and is extremely delicious and refreshing.

5. Of course, you can have dessert

Throwing a healthy dinner party does not mean you have to skip dessert. Dessert can taste great and be healthy all at the same time. Fresh fruits, a variety of nuts and/or seeds, could serve up some low-calorie muffins such as carrot or cinnamon oats muffins.

6. Have fun!

At the end of the day, it's all about spending time together with family and friends and appreciating that healthy food can taste pretty darn good. As an extra treat for your friends and guests, you can place recipes and full nutritional information under everyone's plate.

For menu examples, healthy recipe ideas & additional tips visit - www.mycraziefoodie.net. Any other questions, queries and comments email lifestyle@gleanerjm.com/mycraziefoodie@gmail.com.