This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. I was sponsored to write this post on behalf of Weight Watchers®. All opinions are mine alone. #SmarterTreats #CollectiveBias
The other day on Facebook, I was talking to a friend about how it seems that we used to only worry about summer bikini bodies. But now, summer bikini bodies start early so we can be ready for our kids’ spring break in March, stay fit all the way through summer, keep a lean body for Halloween costumes (which are mostly skin-tight, even for moms), and then of course, trying to still look good on Valentine’s Day. It becomes a never-ending cycle, and gone are the days about slacking off on a healthy lifestyle during the Holiday Season, or Season of Eating… luckily, you can still celebrate without giving up on your eating goals, because some of the best party food will fit perfectly in your meal plan… seriously! There is such a thing as a brunch that doesn’t break the Points Bank…
Start at your local Walmart store, where you can find a ton of products that have the Weight Watcher’s Endorsed label on them– they tell you right away how many points there are in a serving, and make planning really simple. Don’t forget to also load up on all of your favorite produce– fruits and veggies are a great way to fill up without blowing your entire plan.
The thing I love about Weight Watcher’s Endorsed products at Walmart is that I can shop without having to search– I know great picks at a glance because of the label telling me point values without having to dig through aisles for appropriate choices.
One thing I love about brunch is that it’s that perfect in-between from breakfast and lunch, and it allows for a great mix of savory and sweet treats to tickle your fancy! A great brunch spread includes a variety of flavors and textures to keep everyone happy.
Omelettes are a brunch staple, and you can make a light omelette station by serving pre-portioned egg whites (which are 0 points plus, by the way!) and veggies so your guests can load up a bowl with veggies, take it to your electric skillet or stovetop, and have a perfect egg white omelette in minutes. Pre-portioning food is the perfect way to make sure no one is second-guessing calorie counts or having to stand there tallying up points. They’ll know exactly what they used if you share signs that indicate how many Points Plus each serving is, and allow guests to grab a serving of their favorite items.
Because brunch is all about the sweet and savory, one of my favorite recipes is actually a cereal and popcorn mix– Cherry Vanilla Popcorn Crunch!
To make this delicious brunch mixture (that’s also great for anytime), you’ll want to start by popping two bags of Jolly Time 100 Calorie Healthy Pop Kettle Corn, which will give you that sweet and salty base. Spread that on a wax paper lined baking sheet. Next, pour 1 1/2 cups, or 2 servings, of Weight Watchers Oat Clusters with Cherries and Almonds cereal. Drizzle the mixture with 2 melted cubes of Almond Bark in Vanilla, then place in the fridge for 10 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.
- 2 bags Jolly Time HealthyPop 100 Calorie Kettle Corn
- 1 1/2 Cups Weight Watchers Oat Clusters with Cherries and Almonds
- 2 cubes almond bark, vanilla flavor
- Pop popcorn and spread on baking tray lined with waxed paper.
- Sprinkle Weight Watchers Oat Clusters over the popcorn.
- Drizzle melted almond bark over the popcorn mixture, then chill until almond bark has hardened.
- This mixture yields 24 servings, and each 1/2 cup serving is 2 points plus.
Break into 24 servings of 1/2 cup per serving. Each serving is only 2 points plus, according to the Weight Watchers Recipe Calculator you can access with your Weight Watchers online membership.
Don’t feel like you have to spend a ton of time in the kitchen to make a lighter brunch for your friends and family… by seeking out smarter choices in your local Walmart store, you can use some of those Weight Watchers endorsed finds to spruce up your brunch table– the snack cakes are particularly delicious for a sweet finish to your brunch meal.
Use signs to help make everything clear for your guests, and choose decor that feels upscale– I love a good gold, blue, and silver color scheme for the holidays!
Whether you’re brunching at book club or having a gift wrap party, you really can have it all– smart treats you’ll love, with delicious flavor that doesn’t feel like you’re cutting back at all.
If you’re determined to maintain your healthy lifestyle during the holidays, there are always ways of doing it. First, whenever you host or attend an event, look for the fresh fruit and fresh vegetables when possible– they’re the least likely to be smothered in butter or extra sugar. Once you pick out those, work to make smart choices and use your Weight Watchers points calculator to keep yourself in check!
By hosting the brunch, you put the power in your own hands to make the best choices possible, and when it’s so easy to host a brunch using fresh produce and Weight Watchers endorsed products, it won’t set you back a ton of time, either.
What is your favorite meal of the day to serve during a party? Brunch, lunch, dinner? Let me know in the comments below, and check out more great Weight Watchers ideas by visiting the social hub here.
I love the idea of pre-portioning out everything when you have a party like this. Not only do they make the most adorable presentation, but it’s so nice to keep those portions contained. It’s way too easy to keep grabbing food when you don’t realize how much you are eating. #client
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