Department of Health EatSmart Restaurant Star+ Campaign

Avoid Party Food Traps

Tammie said, “Party food like appetisers and snacks are small bite-sized, which can be easily over-consumed. It is recommended to limit your intake to one or two pieces for each kind of snack.”

Some fruit flavoured drinks only contain a small amount of fruit juice. Instead, they only consist of water, sugar, honey, syrup or other sugar mixture. Water is a healthier choice, whereas plain tea and lemon water are also healthier options. If you wish to avoid blandness, you may want to drink a moderate amount of fresh fruit juice instead.

Desserts are always high in calories, fat and sugar content. One can easily over-consume desserts with an empty stomach. It is recommended to eat fruits after meal.

Seasoning sauces always contain high content of fat and sodium. To avoid excessive intake of oil and salt, it is recommended to serve sauce and food separately.

Tips for Healthy Eating at Parties

Eat Some Food Before Going to a Party

Party food is tempting and can be easily over-consumed. It is suggested to eat some fruits and salads before going to a party.

Smart Food Choice

Choose foods that are poached, steamed, grilled or baked, and avoid those which are deep-fried or contain puff pastry to reduce fat intake.

Eat Slowly to Taste the Food

Take a bite and eat slowly to avoid eating too fast. It is recommended to stop eating when you are 70 or 80 percent full.

Sequence on How to Take Food

Follow the principle of “eating salad and vegetables before meats”. Start a meal with vegetables, then continue with soup and meats, and finish with dessert. By doing so, overeating of meat main dish and dessert can be avoided.

Extract from CookSmart, Issue 25