August 25, 2015 Food & Drink4 Ways to Throw A Healthier Party Pin25 Share15 Tweet6 Reddit StumbleShares 46 As summer winds down, I find that we’re taking advantage of every opportunity to do something with friends, go outdoors, find a patio or host a BBQ. If you live in a colder climate, you understand the urgency. Winter, is long. And really cold. While I love that we’re taking advantage of what’s left of summer, I’m also noticing that it’s taking a toll on my body and I definitely need to find some balance. Anyone else? To keep myself from getting completely run down, I’ve really been trying to cut back on drinking, while still participating in all those social activities. It’s definitely easier said than done, but there’s a few things that I’ve found that have really helped! 1. HOST AT HOME Hosting a get together at your home or friends home is the easiest way for me to choose healthier options. 2. REPLACE BOOZE WITH SOMETHING BUBBLY I’ve realized that it’s not really wine that I’m craving, I just want something other than plain ole water. After a long day, I want something that feels like a treat, but is much better for me than booze. IZZE Sparkling Water is perfect for parties like this. You’re probably already familiar with IZZE. Their sparkling fruit juice is amazing and their latest addition to the product line is just as amazing. It’s simply triple-filtered spring water with true-to-the-fruit flavors — Blackberry Pear, Mandarin Lime and Raspberry Watermelon — mixed in. They’re also low-calorie (not bad for cutting back, right?!) and have just 10 calories per 12-oz serving and just 1-2 grams of organic pure cane sugar. The fizz definitely makes you feel like you’re getting something special! 3. SERVE SATISFYING HEALTHY SNACKS One good decision leads to another! Mini sandwiches like these are ideal for parties because they’re filling, healthy and really tasty! I whipped these up in just a few minutes. Just stack turkey, avocado, arugula, red onion, cheddar and dijon on your favorite bread and cut into triangles. I also served multi-colored carrots and reduced-sodium ruffle potato chips — I told you I love a good crunch! 4. MAKE IT FESTIVE I always think that serving food on festive plates makes a party more fun and cute paper straws never hurt either! All that’s left is inviting your friends over before fall hits! Do you ever find that your body needs a break? How do you cut back? P.S. Oliver stuck to still water, but since he’s got nice manners, sometimes we let him sit in his own chair 😉 I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.