I used to get anxiety over going to parties because #1 – I like to eat A LOT and #2 – I prefer to eat plant-based, organic food.  As you can imagine, the typical party is anything but an organic veg-fest. So I would either leave hungry or end up eating things I normally stay away from like cheese, pizza, fondue and more cheese which made me feel bloated and guilty.  There are so many dishes that are healthy, satisfying and induce energy rather than a food coma so I made it my mission to bring healthy to the party.

Here’s how I do it:

1. It goes without saying – eat something before. You spend more money at the grocery store if you go on an empty stomach and it’s the same idea here. When you eat wholesome, nutrient-dense food, you can eat often and not ruin your appetite.  If I’m in a hurry, a half an avocado sprinkled with a little salt and pepper does the trick. There’s plenty of good fats in there to keep me going for a while.

2. Drink plenty of water. I used to think it was a myth that drinking water makes you feel full. I have never been a very patient person though. You just need to give it about 30 minutes and the hunger pangs will go away.

3. If you enjoy wine (I do!) bring sparkling water and a bottle of white or rosé wine. Wine Spritzers are delicious, festive and keep you in party mode without overdoing it.  Sparkling juice is also a great fizzy drink to enjoy.  There is a theme here, stay hydrated!

4. Make your own satisfying dish – healthy-ish but not too healthy that you are labeled the loser that brought the rabbit food. Let’s face it the one who brought the cheesy nachos usually wins more votes but also bears the responsibility for the guests’ resulting heartburn. What do I bring? One of my favorites is  Pasta Salad with Nutty Dressing.  There is so much flavor in this dressing and the olive oil and nuts supply plenty of good fats to keep you satisfied.  Click here for the dressing recipe and drizzle a generous amount on cooked and cooled rotini pasta and consider adding chopped kale, mushrooms and red cabbage.  Those foods will soak up the dressing nicely.  Feel free to experiment – add whatever is appealing to you.  The dressing contains nutritional yeast flakes. Despite its unappetizing name, nutritional yeast is a fantastic alternative to parmesan cheese.  It’s packed with vitamins, minerals and protein. Pasta Salad with Nutty Dressing is an example of a high fiber, healthy fat, nutrient dense dish that will fill you (and other party goers) up.  Finally, make it look ‘Martha Stewart’ pretty in a fancy bowl with matching serving tongs.  Sub-par presentation is a form of party suicide!

5. Cheat. That’s right. After you are sufficiently hydrated and you’ve got some good grub in you, it’s time to pick and choose something(s) to indulge in. I usually bring a delectable dessert like my raspberry fudge.  That’s a real crowd pleaser.  If you want a cupcake – eat a cupcake! You earned it.

No Bake Raspberry Fudge

July 22, 2016

by Susie Belanger

Category Recipes Self Care

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cacao powder
• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1/2 cup walnuts (optional)
• 4 oz package of raspberries (or other berries)
• *note, I like to use organic ingredients. Consult the dirty dozen clean fifteen list -https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean_fifteen_list.php - to know what needs to be organic and what can be conventional

Instructions

1. In a food processor, blend the cacao, walnuts and raspberries.
2. Add the dates one by one and pulse until you get the desired fudge texture.
3. Refrigerate 1-3 hours.
4. Enjoy!

This dessert tends to be messy unless you get the texture just right.  A simple – beautiful – solution is to fill mini mason jars with your fudge and top each with a raspberry and mint leaf.