14 dishes and desserts to take to your next summer party

We’ve all been in that dilemma about what to bring with you to a dinner party. The easy option is a bag of unhealthy chips or cheese and crackers, but these snacks aren’t healthy choices while on a weight loss plan.

Cassie McKay has found the perfect snacks and desserts to make and take with you when you’re going over to a friend’s summer party. Best of all they are all HEALTHY and from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

“I’ve put together this list of snacks, salads, and desserts that are easy to prepare and would be great to take to a party – even if you haven’t been asked to bring a thing,” she says.

“With the silly season coming up, it can be busy, and thinking of what to take can be tough- so I’ve done the thinking for you.”

14 dishes and desserts to take to your next summer party

“The weather is warming up and we are headed towards Christmas – so it is inevitable that you will be invited to BBQs and other social gatherings where you may be asked to bring a plate,” says Cassie.

“It also means that temptation will be everywhere. Social gatherings are a weakness of mine. I start out strong, then start picking and don’t stop eating until it is time to go home.

“I know I don’t want to undo all of my hard work this summer, so I will be taking healthy plates to share. Who knows, I may even convert a few people to The Healthy Mummy along the way!”

1. Antipasto platter

A really simple way to put together a wholesome lunch is by creating a mixed platter like this one. It includes a little bit from each of the main food groups to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need. This platter is 292 calories per serve.

These are all the rage at the moment and oh so easy to prepare.

You can find the recipe for this on our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

2. Sun-dried tomato gnocchi stacks

This gnocchi recipe is a great healthy snack for entertaining friends or taking to a summer party or barbecue. These are 89 calories per serve.

You can find the recipe for this on our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

3. Savoury pikelets

Not only do these look great but by making them small they can easily be eaten with one hand.

You can find this recipe here. 

4. Mexican layer dip

This can be served on a platter with rice crackers, plain corn chips and/or veggie sticks. Everyone will be begging you for the recipe. This recipe is 208 calories per serve.

Get this recipe here. 

5. Veggie packed sausage rolls

Sausage rolls are always a hit at a party. They can be eaten hot or cold. Nobody will even know they’re getting a serve of veggies. These sausage rolls are 80 calories per serve. 

You can find this recipe here. 

6. Chickpea, spinach and pumpkin salad

This simple salad recipe makes it easy to get up to your recommended 5 serves of vegetables a day, but the best part is that it tastes amazing.

This recipe serves 4 and is 355 calories per serve.

You can find this recipe here. 

7. Crazy colourful salad

No boring garden salad here – taste the rainbow! This salad is bursting with flavour and texture.

The combination of beetroot and orange is delightful and the crunch of the walnuts gives it hidden surprises throughout the meals. This salad is 380 calories per serve.

Check out the full recipe here.

8. Marinated fish skewers

If you’re headed to a barbecue, prep these before you go and have the host cook them to share. 

Fish can often be a challenge with children and husbands. Turn that challenge around with these easy, delicious marinated fish skewers that are a hit with family members of all ages. These skewers work out at 220 calories per serve.

See FULL recipe for the skewers here.

9. Mint choc bubble crunch

The kids will go crazy for this dessert… just don’t tell them it’s healthy! This works out at 102 calories per serve.

Check out this recipe here.

10. Christmas bliss balls

These would be great packaged in a cute jar as a thank you gift to the host. 

Not only can you make these cute Christmas bliss balls without turning on the oven, they’re also a fabulous, weight loss friendly healthy sweet treat, especially good if you’re following our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

11. Weet-Bix slice

This wouldn’t be a list of top recipes without it! It’s totally yummy and full of guilt-free chocolatey goodness.

And at only 170 calories per serve, you can enjoy it while taking part in our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge!

Get this recipe here.

12. Chocolate dipped strawberries

These are easy to prepare are low in calories but taste so indulgent. Plus, they’re only 150 calories!

You can find the recipe for these here

13. Pretzels with chocolate dipping sauce

This is a match made in heaven! A super quick treat with a taste of savoury and sweet. The kids will love these, and they’re only 234 calories per serve.

This recipe is available for Challenge members and can be found on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge. 

14. Pineapple water

This refreshing drink will help keep you hydrated, but it also feels a bit more special than just drinking plain water.

Check out the recipe for this here. 

Cassie’s 10kg weight loss story

Cassie says she no longer has to fake confidence, she has it for real now! Here’s how this mum lost 10kgs through the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge by learning to make time for herself!

No fake confidence here!

There is one year between these photos and Cassie has been following the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenges and using the Healthy Mummy Smoothies for 10 months. And in that time, 10kgs have GONE!

And to say this mama is excited is an understatement!

Cassie bought the dress on the left on holiday in November last year but she only wore it out with layers of control underwear and a long top over it.

She says, “I knew my body wasn’t where I wanted it to be, but I was doing everything I could to embrace it.”

“This body had carried and nourished two babies and had endured a c-section and hip surgery. I was a busy mum giving everything to my family. I wanted to be body confident but it just wasn’t happening.” 

Since then, Cassie has learned to find time for herself. And while life still gets a bit hectic for her as a busy mum, she says she’s blossomed by finding that time.

“Time to nourish my body, time to exercise, time to get my hair and eyebrows done, time to see friends, time to meditate and time to reflect.” 

“I don’t have to fake confidence anymore- it is shining out from within me.”

So would Cassie recommend having some me-time? DEFINITELY!

“It doesn’t have to be hours a day. Start with a few minutes and take it from there. Trust me- you’ll be pleasantly surprised.” 

Join the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge