17606 N 17th PL , Phoenix, AZ, United States, 85022
Simple, Special & Weight-Watcher Friendly
I recently received this thoughtful email from a longtime reader named Char:
Hi Martha,
I am having 3 couples for dinner. They all have weight issues and I would like to serve a healthy, easy meal but special for the company. Would you have any suggestions? Would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks for all you do. I have kept my ideal weight for the last 10 years, partly because of your direction.
— Char
First off, congratulations, Char! Keeping your ideal weight for a full decade is no small feat — and I’m honored that Simple Nourished Living has played a part in your success.
Your question is such a great one — and one I hear often:
How do you cook a meal that’s:
Easy to prepare
Special enough for company
Supportive of a healthy lifestyle?
Whether you’re following WW or simply trying to eat lighter, it is absolutely possible to serve a beautiful, celebratory dinner without derailing your progress. Here’s how I like to approach it.
A Simple, Healthy Dinner Menu That Feels Special
Main Course: Lean & Flavorful Protein
Choose something that feels like a centerpiece — but is simple to make:
Herb-Rubbed Roasted Chicken Breasts – or Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Beer & Herbes de Provence – elegant and easy
Grilled or Baked Salmon with a Yogurt-Dill Sauce – light yet luscious
Garlic and Rosemary Turkey or Pork Tenderloin – a flavorful favorite
These proteins are naturally low in points and high in satisfaction. And they’re all great for make-ahead prep or hands-off cooking in the oven.
Grain-Based Side: Wholesome & Hearty
Serve a warm grain salad or pilaf to round out the plate:
Quinoa with Lemon and Herbs (I love this lemony lentil quinoa salad and this quinoa tabbbouleh.
Brown rice or Crockpot Wild Rice or Boxed Rice Pilaf (I love the Near East Brand)
Citrus Couscous Salad with Pistachios
Grains like rice, quinoa and couscous (not technically a grain but delicious) can be made in advance and served warm or at room temp — ideal for relaxed hosting.
Fresh Green Salad: Bright & Balancing
Add color, crunch, and freshness with a simple salad:
Mixed greens with sliced fruit like apple, pear, or berries
A sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds
A light vinaigrette on the side
This light and delicious pear blue cheese salad is a particular favorite. To keep things crisp, I usually serve the salad in its own bowl and let everyone dress their own.
Light Dessert: Sweet But Sensible
No need to skip dessert! Just keep it fresh and fruit-forward:
Fresh berries with whipped Greek yogurt or light whipped topping
Mini fruit crisps – try apples or berries with a touch of oats and cinnamon
Poached or roasted fruit – elegant and naturally sweet with just a drizzle of honey
I particularly love this Strawberry Almond Crumble during strawberry season, Low Fat Crockpot Peach Crisp, and Quick & Easy Crockpot Apple Cobbler.
Tips for Hosting a Healthy & Enjoyable Meal
Hosting doesn’t need to be elaborate to feel special. These are a few of my favorite ways to create a lovely evening:
Use seasonal ingredients – They’re more flavorful, affordable, and festive.
Consider your slow cooker — I’ve found that my crockpots can help take the pressure off when entertaining.
Serve on a big platter – As Ina Garten suggests, arranging your protein, grain, and roasted vegetables together looks abundant and beautiful.
Keep salads separate – This keeps greens crisp and avoids sogginess.
Let guests build their own plates – It’s relaxed, empowering, and great for portion control.
Set a simple, pretty table – Cloth napkins, candles, and real dishes go a long way.
Savor the company – At the end of the day, it’s the connection that nourishes us most.
Hosting a healthy dinner doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or fun. With a little planning and fresh, whole ingredients, you can create a meal that leaves everyone feeling satisfied and cared for — including you.
Thanks again, Char, for the wonderful question and inspiration.
If you have a go-to healthy dinner party dish or hosting tip, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
With love,
Martha
If you liked these Healthy Dinner Ideas for Company (That Won’t Sabotage Your Goals) you might also like:
Inspired by the classic Weight Watchers weekly trackers from years back, here is a 7-Day No Recipe Meal Plan (WW Friendly & Simple) complete with grocery list.
A collection of all the WW Friendly Weekly Dinner Meal Ideas and Menus I’ve shared through the years.
Our Simple Shifts podcast episode where Peter and I explore help with overeating, guilt and finding the right way to eat.
Our Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Weight Watchers Program, written by a long-time member of WeightWatchers (WW) who became a Lifetime member back in the early 1990s. (You can read about my journey to WW Lifetime membership here.) I’ve also had the pleasure of working as a WW coach (known as a leader back then) in Phoenix for a few years.
The post Healthy Dinner Ideas for Company (That Won’t Sabotage Your Goals) appeared first on Simple Nourished Living.
