Special Requests During Holiday Meals

Dietitian at Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab, Center for Health and Wellness

The holidays are a time to gather for meals with our families and friends. If you are the host or attendee, there are things to consider so the meals will go smoothly to accommodate special requests.

For some, it is just dietary preferences. For others, it may be a life-threatening food allergy to be concerned about.

If you are the host, always ask your guests ahead of time for any special requests. They may have medications that need to be adjusted with meal timing. Providing your guest with the menu and what time the meal will be served will allow them to plan accordingly.

If you have a guest with food allergies:

• Snap a picture of the label from food items with ingredients listed.
• Prepare items separately to avoid cross contamination.
• Be careful with serving utensils and let guests with allergies serve themselves first.

To serve healthy options that will help guests with special requests, try these ideas:

• Keep food simple by serving dishes that have fewer ingredients.
• Serve sauces and dressings on the side.
• Reduce salt as much as possible by not adding salt and by using low sodium options.
• Provide non-starchy vegetable items. A nice, green salad is a festive healthy option to the buffet.
• By serving a variety of foods, most guests will be able to select foods that work well for their needs.
• Always offer non-alcoholic beverages. Sparkling water and water infused with vegetables or fruit offers a nice alternative to plain water.

As a guest, please let you hosts know ahead for special requests. If possible, offer to bring a dish to share.

A little preparation can be the key to a happy healthy holiday gathering!

Source: Tufts University Health and Nutrition Letter, Nov 2017.