I always think about my friend’s Mother-in-law during the holiday season, because she goes the extra mile to make sure her gluten-free daughter and finicky adult grandchildren get specific versions of some of her favorite holiday dishes so everyone can enjoy their meal.
For example, she fixes two kinds of macaroni and cheese – one regular, one gluten-free. She prepares two dishes of scalloped potatoes – one regular, one without onions – and so on. She goes above and beyond to make everyone happy, but it takes a lot of extra work.
It’s important to understand dietary considerations when it comes to meal planning and preparation over the holidays, because there are many health conditions like diabetes and food allergies, that can alter our meal menus and prep strategies to minimize anxiety and maximize healthy eating.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has outlined 9 tips to deal with dietary restrictions during the holidays that could help my friend’s Mother-in-law and others who stress over holiday meal preparation for their own family and friends.
- Ask for Advice – You may be informed about close family members and friends who have special dietary needs or food allergies, but you may not know about all of your guest’s nutritional requirements. Review your menu with invited guests (and plus ones) so you can adjust your meal plan accordingly.
- Read Labels – Dairy, gluten, nuts, and non-vegetarian ingredients are found in many packaged and processed foods. If you are unsure if certain ingredients are safe for certain guests, ask those you are accommodating or eliminate it entirely.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination – Use separate utensils when grilling meat and veggie burgers to prevent meat juices from contaminating vegetarian foods. If you are making cookies with nuts, remember to use a separate baking sheet and spatula to make nut-free cookies for those with nut allergies. Thoroughly wash or use separate colanders or strainers when draining regular pasta and gluten-free pasta. “Being mindful of opportunities for cross-contamination can lower the risk of serving foods that your guests might not be able to eat.”
- Make Simple Swaps – Consider tossing vegetables with olive oil instead of butter for those with dairy allergies or practicing a vegan lifestyle, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth for meat-free side dishes and soups, so everyone can enjoy them.
- Leave the Toppings on the Side – There may be dishes that you would normally top with bacon crumbles, nuts, or croutons, but by simply keeping them separated as topping options, those with allergies or dietary restrictions can enjoy the dishes, while those without issues can add them as toppings if they choose.
- Build a Bowl – Instead of creating a menu with multiple dishes, build a buffet of toppings and let your guests do the rest. “From a yogurt parfait brunch to a smoky burrito bowl, there are many options for having a casual meal that is satisfying for everyone. Having a diverse spread of options will allow your guests to create a meal that fits their needs.”
- Serve Delicious Drinks – “Even those not drinking alcohol enjoy fancy mock-tails. Include everyone in the festivities by making a pitcher or two of fruit and herb infused waters or a dry bar with seltzer, juices, and herbs.”
- Polish your Sales Pitch – “We tend to be wary of foods we cannot easily identify. To encourage everyone to try different dishes, write the menu on a chalkboard or place a menu card on the table. On your buffet line, label each dish with enticing adjectives and include ingredients. Not only does this encourage a picky eater to try new things, it also helps guests avoid food allergens.”
- Have Fun! – Holiday meals are meant to be shared in fellowship with family and friends. “You don’t have to accommodate your guests for every single dish. If your holiday dinner would not be complete without your grandmother's Yorkshire pudding, include it. Missing your personal favorites might lower your own enjoyment at the occasion. With a well-planned dinner, all of your guests can be happy and well fed.”
For seniors without family in the Clearwater area, my Home Helpers® caregivers are your family when family can’t be there. They understand dietary restrictions and will go to the grocery to shop for healthy food options to plan and prepare nutritious meals for the holidays or any day.
If you or a senior loved one would benefit from assistance with healthy meal planning and preparation, I gladly offer a FREE Consultation to discuss and assess specific needs, so I can match the perfect caregiver to help
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have been ranked among the Home Care Pulse Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providersin 2023 and to have receivedthe Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award 2023, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice Award 2023, and the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience Award 2023.
We proudly serve male and female seniors in Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, New Port Richey, Trinity, Port Richey, Hudson, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier℠ 727.942.2539
Source:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
