It's My Party and I'll Eat if I Want To...

   Last week a member in one of my meetings said she was celebrating a birthday for a family member who also was a Weight Watchers member.  She asked for a suggestion on a cake.  I was happy to share an easy recipe I use for birthdays.  My favorite is to take a spice cake mix and add a can of Diet Dr. Pepper (No milk, no eggs, no oil...nothing else) and bake according to the box directions.  For frosting I use a small tub of sugar-free Cool Whip with a box of sugar-free butterscotch pudding mixed in.  Depending on the cake mix you use and the size of the slice, you can have a pretty nice sized piece of cake for a low PointsPlus value.     

    Another option would be to use a white cake mix with Diet 7-Up.  Also include a small can of no sugar added, well-drained pineapple in the mix.  Frost with sugar-free Cool Whip with fresh strawberry slices added. Chill for a great treat during a pool party or backyard barbeque. I made a variation for a 4th of July party last year.  For the frosting, I used sugar-free Cool Whip only, then made a flag on top using blueberries and strawberry halves.

    People tend to associate parties with out-of-control eating.  Eating doesn't have to be the main attraction of a party.  On the other hand, eating doesn't have to be excluded from a party in order to be healthy or to "stay on plan."  I found some great articles to stay on plan and party, too!

   The first article, "Plan a Party and Stick with the Plan," offers some general tips and guidelines for party planning.  In "What's Cooking: Bridal and Baby Showers" you'll find menus for brunch, lunch, and finger foods that include a link to each recipe. Don't let the title fool you; the menus work for other parties, too.  My favorite article is "Recipe Round-Up: Award-Winning Party Food." This article provide several choices for appetizers, salads, main dishes and desserts that are great alternatives to high fat and sugary recipes. (I will definitely be trying the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake from the article!)

   Now that you know you can stay on plan without giving up the party food...PARTY ON!