This is a guest blog from Rachel Barnard – I love these ideas and it really cool to have her contribute! I’m sure you will love what she suggests – I do!

Look and feel your best with these 5 healthy party foods

You’ve got straight A’s, an appointment at the best salon in town, and a gorgeous little black dress from the 2012 Sherri Hill line, but the last thing you want is to unflatteringly fill out it’s waistline thanks to too many unhealthy snacks at your graduation party. It’s true: too much salt or sugar can make you bloat or swell in unattractive areas and turn your beautiful party look into a hot mess.

Instead, aim to throw a graduation party with healthy foods in mind. Ditch the fatty chips and dip for a few guilt-free, low calorie party snacks that’ll keep you looking sensational in your graduation attire.

Check out the following figure-friendly, low calorie party snacks to dress your table with—oh, and did I mention you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to prepare them either…

1. Fresh Veggie Thai Roll Ups

I love Thai food, and every time I order it, I’m sure to choose these yummy, healthy rolls as my appetizer. Not only are they deliciously-good-for-you recipe is chalked full of shredded greens, crunchy carrots, flavorful mango all dipped in savory soy sauce (low sodium of course) and spicy chili sauce. The proteins and good fats come from non-salted peanuts (or substitute with any nut of your preference). Simply roll up shredded baby book choy, julienned asparagus, cucumbers and carrot, sprinkled in some slivers of fresh mango and roll individual portions into rice paper wraps. You’ll want to immerse these in hot water first to make them malleable. Prepare a dipping bowl with the low sodium soy sauce and chili sauce, and you can even put some pickled ginger on the side as a dressing condiment.

2. Fresh Rainbow Salsa

This fresh and chunky salsa is a party for your taste buds! Featuring the vegetarian protein of black and kidney beans, and zested up with freshly squeezed lime juice, green chilies, chili powder, green onions, a pinch of exotic ground cumin, plus plum tomatoes and black olives—this colorful salsa has got what it takes to be the showcase of your party table. Chop all ingredients and mix in a bowl to refrigerate overnight. You can even offer some low fat sour cream as a delicious and healthy side. And offer alongside some baked tortilla chips or pita wedges for scooping.

3. Crunchy Veggie Tray with Guacamole

Guacamole is the perfect party favor—especially when that party is in the summer. Why? Not only is guacamole an understandably popular dip, it’s full of healthy fats too! Use 6 ripe avocados (test by squeezing them in the store, they should be a bit mushy). Cut them lengthwise, twist, and remove the pit. Scoop the avocado meat into a bowl and add lime juice, garlic, and salt and pepper to season. You can even add some chopped cherry tomatoes and green onions for added zing.  Set your guacamole dip in the middle of a tray of variety of fresh, raw vegetables.

4. Apples and Goat Cheese Canapés

Take the tanginess of Granny Smith apples and the creaminess of Greek goat cheese and what do you get—deliciousness! These appetizers really bring the zing with the sour-sweetness of green apples and ground pepper. Core apples and cut into inch-thick apple slices then top with creamy goat cheese and drizzle with a bit of honey. Bake in the oven for just 5 minutes and ta-da—they’ll be coming back for more!

5. Garlic Flatbread “Pizza”

Take-out pizza is a caloric nightmare. However, if you put fresh ingredients—such as low fat mozzarella or goat cheese, fresh tomato sauce, lean chicken, and loads of veggies on lower calorie flat bread, you can still have pizza and maintain a healthy weight as well! Load on your ingredients then bake in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts. Then cut and place on wooden cutting boards for guests to pick their favorite slice.

Bios: Rachel Barnard is a freelance writer for Apron Addicts, a popular site that features tips on hosting parties, entertaining and recipes.

A guy likes a girl with a bit of meat on her bones! And your own body will love you if you eat more red meat.  NZ Beef and Lamb is the perfect way to help keep you looking and feeling great! Everyone knows that teenage girls prefer chicken to a steak….but don’t let the blood fool you. That juicy red piece of beef or lamb will provide you with a wide range of essential nutrients. Most importantly for us girls it has a huge amount of IRON.

Iron is essential to keep our blood healthy and helps keep us energised so you can spend more time having fun with your friends! If you eat your meat with a glass of OJ or put some kiwifruit in your salad you can absorb even more of that precious iron. By choosing lean meat cuts, you can save yourself from the fat AND can be sure its packed with protein. Protein help us to feel satisfied so you don’t need to eat heaps and you can save room for one of my yummy fruit desserts.

So girls-healthy blood and bundles of energy. I know what I’m having for dinner tonight!

ahah – this is in the latest edition of NZ Womans Weekly …