If you're hosting a special event and want to provide guests with food options that both taste good and are good for you, consider having your favorite healthy restaurant do the catering for you. Look for restaurants that specialize in organic, vegan or vegetarian food, or fresh, local fare from area farmer's markets, for the best results. 

Healthy food options are ideal for any type of celebration, such as adult and child birthday parties, holiday get-togethers, anniversaries, graduations, and baby and bridal showers. The good news is that you don't have to sacrifice flavor for health, as many restaurants serve up food that is both tasty and nutritious. 

If you're on a tight party-planning budget, you can make the appetizers and desserts yourself, and have the health food restaurant cater the main dish. As another option if you want the event completely catered affordably, ask the restaurant to serve small plates so that guests can sample a wide range of foods.

Here are some healthy food catering ideas to get you started:

Appetizers 

1. Vegetable Platter

When it comes to healthy and tasty appetizers, you can't go wrong with a brightly colored vegetable platter. For optimum nutrition, stick with vegetables that are in season, such as heirloom cherry tomatoes and cucumbers in the spring and summer, and carrots, Brussels sprouts and squash in the autumn and winter.

Depending on the type of vegetable, you can either serve them raw or roasted on skewers, or a combination of both ways. Place a healthy dip, such as a creamy Greek yogurt dressing or hummus, in the center of a large platter and arrange the vegetables artfully around it.

2. Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce wraps are fun party foods as they allow guests to get hands-on. Provide large leaves of green lettuce and variety of fillings, such as grilled chicken and vegetables, shredded cheese and salsa, and have party-goers design their own appetizers.

Main Courses

1. Taco Bar

Have your preferred Mexican restaurant set up a do-it-yourself taco bar filled with fresh, healthy options, such as beans, ground turkey, chipotle-marinated tofu, a variety of chopped and diced vegetables and whole wheat tortillas. 

Nutritious taco toppings include Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream, salsa and homemade guacamole, which is filled with good fats and plenty of flavor.

2. Create-Your-Own Pizza Station

Another way to allow guests to make their own healthy creations is by setting up a build-your-own pizza station complete with whole wheat dough, freshly made marinara sauce and low-fat mozzarella cheese shreds.

Healthy topping options are endless and include mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, BBQ tempeh and grilled chicken. Pizza stations are especially ideal for kids' parties. 

Contact a business like Tastybox for more help.