THE 4Q GUIDE TO A CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION: THE GAME PLAN
Now that you have your shopping list for a festive Cinco de Mayo spread, let’s walk through the game plan so you can stay in control of your food choices and still have fun!
Don’t go starving.
Being too hungry often leads to poor food choices. Add some drinking on top of that and that leads to even poorer food choices. By having a snack before the party, you will have an easier time staying the course with your food choices.
Plan out your food choices ahead of time, even your indulgences.
Going in with a set plan for your fiesta will help ensure your meal is balanced and will help you manage the temptations you may be faced with. If you are going to have an indulgence (dulce de leche anyone?), plan that ahead of time so you can make sure to leave room for it. This will also help you pass on other indulgent foods that may be tempting, but just aren’t as worthwhile.
Plate all food, including appetizers.
It’s easy to overeat from a spread of appetizers, especially when you’re standing around and mingling. But plating all foods, including the apps will help you gauge how much you’re eating and whether or not your plate is 4Q-balanced.
Drink strategically.
Alcohol is always allowed at 4Q, but we want you to drink strategically! Because you’re having a snack before the party starts, you won’t be drinking on an empty stomach. Then once you’re at the party, wait until you’ve finished your first course or apps to have your second. Drinking plenty of water between drinks will help you stay hydrated and will also slow down the pace of the alcohol consumption. This will help from going overboard while still having fun.
If you are going to a friend, offer to bring something!
Sometimes, when we are not in our own kitchen it can be hard to control our food choices. Offering to bring a plate of crudité and dip or a side salad is a great way to ensure you will have a veggie option to choose from, not to mention the fact that you will probably win the title of “best guest ever” and will keep getting invited back. :)
Focus on the lean proteins and non-starchy vegetables.
With Mexican food, it’s easy to focus on lean proteins and non-starchy vegetables! For protein think chicken, meat, fish, shellfish, beans or tofu, and for non-starchy vegetables think salad, crudité, salsa, tomatoes, onions, slaw, and pickled vegetables. The combinations are really endless!
Distance yourself from the food.
Instead of hovering above the buffet, take your plate and find a place to post up that isn’t within arm’s reach of the food. This will help you avoid the temptation to mindlessly pick.
Have fun!
Focusing on the social aspects of the party will take your attention off of the food. The more fun you’re having, the less you’ll focus on the food and the less temptation you’ll have to fend off.