It’s Spring Break around these parts this week, which got me thinking how close it is to SUMMER! Oh, summer and all the wonderful parties that come along with it! But sometimes I feel like parties involve too much junk food, and sugar, and other nasty ingredients that certainly don’t add to the party later – especially when it comes to kids parties!

So when Tracey Clayton contacted me and asked if she could share some ways in which parties could be made HEALTHY, well. What a great idea! Let’s see what she’s got for us!

Whether you are two or ninety-two, nobody wants to miss out on a party. The event where fun is a priority, and enjoyment is a must, parties increase the happiness levels of all attending. And who doesn’t like all around smiles, laughter, good food, drinks, cheerful decorations, and cake? Well, sometimes our bodies. Because we tend to let loose, go all out, eat and drink in excess, and have just too much fun during parties, our bodies have to tolerate all that. Luckily, there are ways of making a party healthy, and still being able to have fun, and enjoy the party.

Mix It Up

Provide your guests with diversity, and moderate portions, they will surely be grateful for. Choice is a great way to ensure guests can fill their bellies by trying a little bit of everything. The color will amaze and attract everyone, while making the portions smaller in size ensure each person has their fill of your delectables.

Food on the Go

You always want to give your guests the chance to eat on the go, and be able to mingle. The best course of action is to provide them with delicious finger food. Still, nobody likes greasy fingers when it is time to shake a hand, or give a hug. Considering healthier finger food alternatives will not only leave your hands clean, enjoying the company of others, but will also leave room for cake, and other treats.

A Veg Alternative

Another thing you have to consider is the introduction of vegan and vegetarian alternatives. Because you never know who that plus one might be, having a backup plan enables you to keep a sound mind, knowing you can satisfy anyone’s taste buds. Some great vegetarian party recipes are so delicious, even the most fanatical meat-eaters will want to try these specialties, and have a healthier party experience.

Drinks Au Naturale

Go for more natural flavors when serving drinks. Kids will adore sugar-free drinks made from freshly squeezed juice, healthier than industrial fizzy sodas. Also, you have a chance to experiment with flavors that may prove to be your guests’ next best drink. And grownups will be amazed by addition of pomegranate juice to club soda, or your very own home-made drink recipe, to spice up their beverage. Finally, be sure to make water available, especially if you hold your party during summer.

A Healthier Cake

Cake is yet another food where you can be creative and take care of the health of your guests. Use low-fat dairy products, and go for fruity cakes, or use dark chocolate since it contains many nutrients beneficial to the body. For kids’ cakes be sure to make them colorful, but opt for natural coloring instead of artificial food coloring.

An Active Party

Make the party an active experience. Be sure there is a dance floor where everyone can enjoy some great tunes, and dance off the extra calories. Another fun way is to hire an indoor trampoline, which will be a memorable experience both for kids, but grown-ups as well. And for those great outdoor kids’ parties be sure to invigorate the atmosphere by mixing in some party games, like a scavenger hunt, water-balloon competition, or a bag race.

Move the Party Outside

Take your party outside, so everyone can enjoy the fresh air, and the sun on their face. Be it a backyard party, a pool party, or a party with a natural backdrop, it will always be a healthy way to commemorate your special date. And the great thing about it is you can get creative with decorations, and make the event even more spectacular.

At the end of the day, you are responsible not only for how well your guests enjoy themselves, but for their bodies, as well. With just a couple healthier twists you can ensure everyone will be astonished at how well you were able to pull off a healthy party spectacle.

About author:

Tracey Clayton is a full time mom of three girls. She loves cooking, baking, sewing, spending quality time with her daughters and she’s passionate about writing. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.” Find her on Facebook.

I love these ideas, especially the special drinks! Or what about a smoothie bar, where guests can create and enjoy their own smoothie blends! (Now my creative juices are flowing – no pun intended!)

Due to the amount of comments from all of my wonderful readers, it is not always possible for me to respond to each one. However, I absolutely do read them all, and if you’d like to address something specific, or have a question for me, please don’t hesitate to email me at Kristen@theroadtodomestication.com. I will respond to your email as soon as possible! Thank you for visiting the blog!