We are still on the subject of Holiday parties and get-togethers. This is one of the most difficult times of the year for people who are trying to diet or change their lifestyle to a healthier one.
Great Keto Covered Dishes
There are so many awesome keto casseroles and dishes that can be made in the crock pot and taken to Holiday parties. Some are so insanely simple.
Choose a protein. Then pick a base (cream, broth, cheese or tomatoes). Add spices. Add veggies.
- Hamburger, broth, rutabaga or radishes, tomatoes, onion and carrots is a hearty soup.
- Sausage/tomatoes, cream, parmesan cheese and some spice makes a great soup.
- Chicken, taco seasoning, cream, cheddar cheese and some cream cheese makes a super filling soup.
- Ground beef, diced tomatoes, italian seasoning and mozzarella baked in the oven makes a great pizza casserole.
- Chili minus the beans is totally keto and super filling!
- Try your favorite potato dish with zucchini, radishes or rutabaga. Last year I did radishes au graten and they were good!
Simple Keto Appetizers
Appetizers can be ridiculously easy or difficult if you really want to put in the time. The list is endless! A quick google search for keto appetizers will get you more choices than you could ever want
- Deviled eggs may seem like a summer dish, but totally keto!
- Buffalo dip with celery or fathead crackers
- Cheese and meat board. Simple!
- A bowl of mixed nuts. Even easier!
- Keto meatballs (chicken or beef)
- Slices of cucumber with a small scoop of tuna salad on top
- Cream cheese and olive spread on celery pieces
- Little hot dogs or sausages wrapped with bacon
Keto Mixed Drinks
We eventually had to talk about it. Keto and alcohol. We all know it doesn’t mix. Once you start drinking, your body stops burning fat and starts burning the alcohol. This can lead to bloating and water gain, and can also stall you. The scale may show 3-5 pounds heavier in the morning. You certainly can’t gain that much weight overnight. It’s your body holding on to water weight. So, if you are going to drink, be aware of this, and be aware that it may take you 3 or 4 days to get back down to where you started. Drinking can also lower your willpower. You may be more apt to start snacking when you are drinking. With all that being said, here are a list of the alcohols that are approved when following a ketogenic diet.
- Dry wine
- Vodka
- Rum
- Gin
- Tequila
- Brandy
- Whiskey
Pay attention to what it’s being mixed with. You obviously do not want to start mixing with syrups, juices or soda. My go-to when I do drink is vodka with water and lemon. It’s strong, and not super flavorful, so I will sip it slowly. If you want to bring your own, zevia sodas and lacroix seltzer waters are really good choices to bring to mix in.
Keto Party Desserts
Here’s where we can have some fun and get creative! There are so many awesome keto desserts! I love to bake and experiment with these, so seriously, if you really want something, let me know and I’d be more than happy to find something for you that’s been tested by my family.
- Melt a chocolate bar in the microwave and pour it over little piles of nuts in small cupcake papers. Sprinkle some salt over top and chill til hard.
- Chocolate Zucchini Brownies
- Almond Butter Cookies
- Pumpkin Roll Bars
- Chia Seed Pudding Parfaits. Use the chia seed pudding recipe in my blog, layer with fresh berries and whipped cream.
- Strawberry Shortcake Bites
How to Stay Keto at a Party
When I go to Holiday parties I often get asked how I have so much willpower. I mentally prepare myself by telling myself that I am going to stay keto. Before we leave, I grab nuts or a square of super dark chocolate or something, just in case, and bring them with me. Sometimes I’ll bring my own little appetizer, like some baked cheese crackers or something crunchy to snack on before dinner. Other times I may eat a little bit before we go out. I always bring water with me. Often times when we are at a party, we are drinking or eating to be social. Grab a bottle of water or a glass and put some water with lemon in it. There’s no rule that says you HAVE to eat or drink if you are not hungry.
Don’t Let a Bad Night Ruin All Your Efforts
Know that everything you put in your mouth is YOUR choice. No one forces you to eat or drink anything, so make sure that in the end, if you do partake, and you do stall, that you do not beat yourself up over it. Wake up and start again.
Don’t let a night or two of Holiday parties and bad decisions be an excuse to quit or to stop. Each day is a new day to make better choices. As long as we are making one better choice than the day before then we are improving.
Have Someone That Holds You Accountable
Join my 31 day accountability class! Great for someone who does better when they are held accountable.
