How to Attend Parties Without Compromising Your Health Goals

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We all want to be healthy, but it can be difficult to adhere to health and fitness goals and also have a vibrant social life. This balance is particularly difficult in a party environment. Parties are full of delicious food temptations that are difficult to turn down when you’re a guest (or even the host!). There are many different types of parties you might attend or plan. You’ll have to adjust your approach depending on the event, but there are some basic strategies that can help. Here are some tips about how to attend parties without compromising your health goals. 


1. Eat Beforehand

One of the easiest and most effective ways you can stay on track with your health goals while at a party is to maintain your usual eating schedule and habits as much as possible. If you ensure that you don’t arrive at the party hungry, you will not overindulge. If you are calorie counting, it will be impossible to know how the appetizers or entrees at a special event were prepared. Eating a meal at home solves this. It’s also equally important to hydrate before arriving at a special event. This can help curb alcohol consumption and also improves your overall digestion. 


2. Look for Protein and Fiber

When it comes to making healthy food choices at a party, look for foods that are rich in protein and fiber. Protein and fiber-rich foods help to reduce hunger, and offer other health benefits.  Some foods that are rich in protein and fiber include:

  • Yogurt: Yogurt is loaded with protein and calcium. This should be your first stop at a breakfast or brunch celebration. Add some fruit, nuts, or seeds for extra flavor, texture, and health benefits. This can be a healthy and sweet party treat.

  • Chicken and Vegetables: Chicken is a go-to when you need a lean protein. Pile your plate with vegetables like bell peppers or dark leafy greens (spinach, kale) to round out your healthy party meal.

  • Fruit: Pears, berries and apples can be rich in protein and are perfect for a healthy appetizer or dessert. Fruit trays are pretty common at special events, so head straight to that part of the buffet if you start to feel hungry.

  • Eggs: The protein in eggs promotes a feeling of fullness and weight loss. While a deviled egg loaded with mayo might not be the best option, a simple hard boiled egg or omelette is perfect for a health conscious partygoer.


3. Choose Mocktails

Cutting out alcohol is a common tactic for many diets and for anyone looking out for their overall health. Alcohol calories add up quickly, especially at a party. If you prefer to avoid alcohol entirely, you may feel out of place if you don’t have a drink in your hand at a social function. So what can you do? Choose a mocktail instead! A mocktail can help you feel festive and celebratory without compromising your health goals. If you have trouble coming up with some of your own check out this great mocktails recipe list or here are a few examples of easy mocktail recipes: 

Mango Mule: 
  • 4-5 slices of cucumber 
  • 1 oz honey syrup 
  • 1.5 oz mango puree 
  • 1.5 oz fresh lime juice 
  • 1.5 oz ginger beer 
  • Ice

Lavender Lemonade:
  • 4-5 slices of cucumber
  • 1 oz honey syrup
  • 1.5 oz mango puree
  • 1.5 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1.5 oz ginger beer
  • Ice

Lemongrass Jasmine Iced Tea:
  • 4-5 slices of cucumber
  • 1 oz honey syrup
  • 1.5 oz mango puree
  • 1.5 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1.5 oz ginger beer
  • Ice


4. Choose Low-Calorie Drinks

If you do decide to drink at a party, remember this rule: For every drink you have, also drink a full glass of water. You can also choose to avoid drinks with too many calories or too much sugar. If you are curious what types of drink you can whip up check out this list of low calorie alcoholic beverages. But also here are some low calorie low sugar alcoholic beverage options:

  • Tequila with fresh lime.  Calorie count under 200.
  • Vodka soda with lemon: Calorie count under 100
  • Mojito minus the syrup: Calorie count under 100
  • White Wine: Some white wines can have a calorie count under 130

5. Exercise the Day of the Event

One of the best ways to stay healthy and to watch your weight is to exercise. Exercise can boost your metabolism and also has other associated health benefits that can help you through a night of fun. On the day you plan to attend a party or social event, schedule time to get out for a run, stream a HIIT class, or hit the gym. Whatever form of exercise you choose, make sure your heart rate is elevated for several minutes. You will feel very different walking into a party after a day that includes good physical activity versus a day where you’ve been sitting around.



6. Maintain Your Schedule

A consistent schedule can benefit mental and physical health. Humans are creatures of habit so a routine is good for both your mental health and overall focus and wellbeing. Parties and celebrations are a welcome break from an everyday routine, but can be disruptive if you don’t plan ahead or make last minute decisions about whether you’ll attend an event. Both partygoers and hosts alike can stay organized thanks to the help of online invitations. Online invites help organize all the details of an event, are easy to send, easy to reply to, and easy to reference later. It’s a no brainer, and eliminates the stress of party planning.


7. Value the Mental Benefits of a Social Gathering

Participating in social activities is actually a healthy thing in and of itself.  If you are trying to stay healthy, you should continue to attend parties, special events, dinners out, and other social functions. Enjoy yourself! It’s beneficial for your mental health. As with anything, moderation and balance is important. A healthy habit is to set a time to leave. When you go out to a party, give yourself a hard stop. Pick a time that you will leave and stick to it. With that decision already out of the way, it will be easier for you to also regulate your food and drink consumption, and make it home in time to get a good night’s sleep.


8. Prioritize

Be a bit choosy about what events you will and won’t go to. An important part of staying healthy is to set boundaries so you don’t overextend yourself. (This can be especially challenging during the holiday party season at the end of the year.) Prioritize the events you absolutely can’t miss. Who is hosting the event? What is the party for? A birthday party of a loved one, or a fundraiser for something you care deeply about are can’t miss events. A cocktail party at an acquaintance’s house might be one to skip. Look at your calendar, listen to your body, make a decision, and then communicate that decision with a timely RSVP. If you’re concerned that you’ll seem rude or hurt someone’s feelings when you decline an invitation, send a small gift, well-wishes, or a birthday eCard depending on the situation.


9. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

Health goals are admirable. A fixation on health goals can be unhealthy. Moderation should be a two way street. Moderate your unhealthy habits but also moderate your healthy ones to make sure that you don’t get consumed. Make sure that you can still go out and have fun. Don’t beat yourself up over missed goals or that slice of birthday cake. Acknowledge that you are taking steps in the right direction and enjoy the celebration.


With a little planning and practice, it is possible to maintain healthy habits at parties and special events. Remember these tips and tactics, and learn what works best for you!

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