Best of the buffet table

Good things in small packages

Pigs in a blanket, mini eggrolls, Swedish meatballs—that’s a lot of fat and calories in one little bite. Our smarter starter? Shrimp cocktail—it’s got lotsa protein (more than half your daily requirement per serving).

Soup-er yummy

When cruising the buffet table, seek out some satisfying soup. High-liquid eats will keep you from scarfing down thirds later. Plus, most soups have less than 250 calories a serving and have good-for-you veggies in there, too.

Pass the potatoes

Spuds are packed with nutrients. Skin ‘em, smash ‘em and douse them in cream? Not as great. Sneak in a baked sweet potato instead. It has only 100 calories and comes loaded with vitamins and fiber. A sprinkling of brown sugar and cinnamon spice things up for girls who aren’t totally into eating vegetables.

How sweet

At the holidays, it seems like there’s a dessert at every meal. Pick an individual-size chocolate pudding pie (made with skim milk). Just 210 calories, and you get the satisfaction of finishing the whole dish. Or help yourself to the cookie plate—four small gingersnaps are just 125 calories, have tons of crunch and taste like Christmas.

Drink it up

BY KATIE ABBONDANZA ON 12/20/2011 12:00:00 AM

POSTED IN health, nutrition, happy holidays, holiday parties, christmas parties