I love food. As I have mentioned before, it is one of my best friends. I also love trying to be as healthy as possible (sometimes I succeed, sometimes I don’t). Recently, I was inspired by an article one of my former coworkers wrote about how to trow a nutrition party.

It’s an awesome idea: Get a bunch of friends together who have a passion for food, invite a health counselor or nutritionist to speak, share new recipes, and cook some of them. In her article for Shape Magazine, Julie D. Andrews explains step-by-step instructions on how to throw a nutrition party of their own.

“1. Find a local expert. You can search for certified health counselors in your state here. And, it couldn’t be easier to locate a registered dietitian in your area. Just go to eatright.org and type in your zip code to see a list of options. Prices will vary by speaker, so get in touch with a few to discuss going rates for preparing an informal talk on a nutrition topic, creating a theme-based menu, as well as providing recipes and handouts.

2. Get a headcount. Find out who will attend and decide how to split costs for ingredients and speaker fees. Dividing the total expenses among your group can reduce the bottom line and get all of your guests invested—literally—in making the event a success. Be sure to ask what vegetarian or allergy requirements your friends have.

3. Pick a hot-button topic. Have a brainstorming session with the expert to i.d. a compelling, buzzed-about food topic that will pique your crowd’s curiosity. “We chose ‘Eat for Energy’,” says Caryn. “Every woman can relate to feeling sluggish or craving sugar and caffeine pick-me-ups. Knowing which foods zap or naturally boost energy is key.” Skip the PowerPoint to avoid a snoozefest lecture. Do ask the speaker to prepare recipe packets and take-home handouts chock-full of refresher tidbits and tips.”

Click here to read steps 4 through 7.