With so many people having dietary and health concerns trying to organising the menu for your next house party might prove to be a challenge. How do you choose the right food especially if you want to offer healthy low-fat choices? Most party food is deep fried, surrounded in pastry and dips and cheese can be a real no-no as they are very high in saturated fats. If you have guests coming who have Type 2 Diabetes, heart or weightloss concerns catering can be a nightmare. It is amazing how high in fat nibblies can be and when eaten in excess can wreak havoc with your waist line and your health.

Here are some great suggestions and party food tips…

• Peeled fresh prawns go down real well. Serve with my low-fat cocktail sauce.
• Dips are always popular, unfortunately most are based on sour or cream cheese, both very high in saturated fats. I use cottage cheese as my base for most of my dips. Once blended smooth you wouldnít know the difference. French Onion dip an all time favourite has around 5g fat per tablespoon, make it my way and its only 0.2g fat per tablespoon
• Avoid serving anything deep fried. No one wants greasy fatty finger food so refer to my party food section for great alternatives
• Party pies and sausage rolls are full of fat but if you make them yourself it can cut the fat down considerably. How you ask – well combine a little onion, herbs, half lean mince and sausage mince and roll with filo pastry. Use cooking spray between each layer and your guest will really enjoy this low-fat version
• Sushi is a terrific party food, both low in fat and something a bit different. I go to my local sushi shop and buy a dozen rolls and then cut them into small slices so they go further. Serve with low salt soy sauce
• Cheese platters need to go, instead cut fresh slices of vegetables and serve with a salsa dip
• Small new potatoes stuffed with a filling are nice as they are easy to hold in your hand and a great idea for young and old
• Bread cases with tasty fillings are another great party snack. Instead of covering with butter leave the bread as it is, when baked they come out crisp and tasty.