Lazy Girl's Guide to Throwing a Party

Whether you're having buds over for a Sunday football game or a Mardi Gras rager, there's a lot to think about: how to decorate, what to wear, and, often the biggest headache of all, what to serve.

Once you're a few years out of college it's time to ditch the red Solo cups and Ruffles. While you don't have to go totally Stepford-hostess on your friends if that's not your style, having some hot and cold bites around will go a long way. And no problem if you're not really a cook. Choose a few that will appeal to the masses (cough cough, dudes) but don't require more than a few stirs on the stovetop if you want to steer clear of the oven. The bonus? My picks won't totally send anyone's healthy 2013 resolutions down in flames.

• Popcorn. Good news! You don't have to load it with butter to enjoy. I reach for Quinn Popcorn; it's microwavable, about 180 calories per serving and comes in four yummy flavors like Maple & Sea Salt and Parmesan and Rosemary. For pre-popped, try Good Health Half Naked,, only 120 calories per serving.

• Tortilla Chips: Try Food Should Taste Good or Way Better Sprouted. Both lines boast a handful of flavors (kimchi, anyone?) and good-for-you ingredients like flax and quinoa.

• Dips. If you're opting for pre-made salsa, hummus and guac, make sure to review the nutritional labels for calorie counts, and fat and sodium content.

• Shrimp Cocktail. Low-fat and low-cal, practically the perfect party food.

• Jars of Olives. Or, if you're feeling all Martha, a mixed pint from the grocery store olive bar.

• Beans. High in protein and fiber (so filling!), these can be added to store-bought chili, made into hummus from scratch (not as hard as it sounds), or quickly mixed together in a room-temperature three-bean salad (just add olive oil, diced pepper and red onion, and seasoning and you're good to go.)

• Crudité. Veggies don't have to be boring, or green. In addition to celery sticks, try cucumber, carrots, cherry tomato, yellow squash, orange peppers and even asparagus (this you'll want to briefly steam).

• Chicken Wings. You'll have to (gasp!) get friendly with the oven. Bell&Evans Buffalo-Style Chicken Wings are low-fat (less than one gram per serving) and 170 calories per three pieces. Heat for 18–20 minutes, turning once, and you're done.

• Sweet Potato Fries. At 140 calories and 5 grams of fat per 12 pieces, frozen Alexia Sweet Potato Julienne Fries are a good alternative to fatty frites.

Carolyn Brown is a nutritionist at Foodtrainers and holds a masters in clinical nutrition from New York University. She has nutrition experience teaching at New York City Greenmarkets and working at a private school in Manhattan, and contributes regularly to WebMD in addition to Health.com, CBS News and New York Daily News.

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