Special events can be filled with traditional or favorite foods. Use these tips to make healthy choices as you celebrate.

Serve up variety

Include items from several food groups at your event. Create a colorful buffet table that includes vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Cheers to good health

Serve water or unsweetened iced tea with fresh mint leaves. Offer seltzer water with a splash of 100% fruit juice or a wedge of lemon or lime.

Make activity part of the fun

Laugh, mingle, dance, and play games. Have fun walking and talking with family and friends after a special meal.

Rethink dessert

Offer a combination of fresh and dried fruit. Put out fixings for guests to make their own trail mix with a combination of peanuts, dark chocolate chips, and dried fruits.

Reduce food waste

Manage leftovers by packing them for guests to take home, adding them to soups or salads, and including extra veggies in omelets, sandwiches, or stews.

Try a twist on a dish

Substitute unsweetened applesauce for butter when baking, or use low-fat milk when a recipe calls for cream. Experiment with low-salt herbs and spices.