My parents, in the manner of normal Midwestern parents, arranged a graduation open house party for my sister and me. To summarize if you've never been to a graduation party before, your parents prepare a delectable spread of food, display all of your naked baby pictures, and invite every single person you've ever met who then comes by to eat the food, give you a gift, and inquire about what you plan to do after high school. It's nothing short of spectacular.
The celebration of the end of a season and the beginning of a new stage of life are both thrilling and bittersweet, but they can also be extremely difficult for those who are trying to maintain a healthy diet, particularly if they are attending many parties. Several of these open houses are on our calendar for the next several weeks, and I don't want to get tripped up and undo all of my hard work exercising and eating well by failing to show up to any of them. After some trial and error, I've come up with the following ideas for navigating the world of healthy eating during graduation open houses.
Healthy Eating at Graduation Parties
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1. Determine what this party means to you personally.
Are you planning a party? Are you planning a "treat" day today? If this is the case, then indulge in some delectable food that you would not otherwise have access to. If you are simply dropping by or planning such treats in the near future, make your menu as similar to what you would eat on a daily basis at home as possible.
2. Bring something to eat.
As much as possible, I attempted to have normal meals before the open houses so that I wouldn't have to take a risk on having decently healthy options available, particularly for the main course. Because most grad parties have veggie and fruit platters, I make an effort to load my plate with a variety of fresh fruits and veggies whenever possible. I try to think of the food served during the open house as a "large snack."
3. Make use of your common sense.
It is not always feasible to prepare my food ahead of time at certain events. It was my intention to apply my best judgment in this situation, then prepare and enjoy a platter of sensible meal options. I skipped the meatballs, which I don't like for, and instead ate some wonderful chicken and noodles, as well as a large serving of frozen berries. Dessert was OK as long as it was something genuinely delectable– such as a special cheesecake or mud pudding, rather than a dried-out white cake– and I ate enough of it.
4. Avoid mindless nibbling at all costs.
Once I've finished my plate of food, my objective is to refrain from repurchasing chips, Chex mix, or small cheesecakes. Fruits and vegetables are the only things that may be consumed without thinking! Five fruit cups and numerous pieces of celery were consumed when I was present at my brother's graduation celebration (where I was there for many hours).
5. Consume copious amounts of alcohol
First and foremost, it may be quite hot at times, and it is important to remain hydrated. A common party suggestion is to always have a drink in your hand, ideally water but at the very least anything sugar-free and non-alcoholic. You have one less hand to eat with, and you are keeping yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
6. Make a lot of noise.
While having a nice chat or catching up with friends, I don't even think about eating since I'm too preoccupied with talking! Apart from that, volunteering to babysit a toddler or newborn is a wonderful way to remain active, and you won't have time to eat anyhow!
Having a nutritious meal during the graduation party
Eating healthily during a graduation celebration, like many other settings, needs deliberate effort. Take some time to consider the kind of experience you want to have and how food will play a part in that experience. Only your intellect should be checked at the entrance; you will be able to make healthy choices during grad parties.
