Since it's likely that at least one of your guests this holiday season has special dietary needs, you may find this list of planning ideas helpful!

• Ask guests for one or two suggestions for a main course. A thoughtful guest may volunteer to bring some of the more specialized items that they need.
• Have on hand options that fit the needs of guests with preferences or special needs:
  • Decaffeinated coffee and tea
  • A lower calorie sweetener
  • A low-fat salad dressing or a flavored vinegar such as raspberry or balsamic
  • Giant Eagle olive oil spray for just a touch of fat on salads and in cooking
  • Diet beverages, caffeine-free beverages and soda water
  • Wedges of fresh lemon or lime for use on salads or in beverages
  • A lighter calorie or lite margarine spread
  • A soy beverage (soy milk) or nondairy creamer
  • A salt-free herb mix for seasoning
  • Cut fruit for dessert
• Allergies and sensitivities are serious concerns. These often include peanuts, shell nuts, seafood, wheat, eggs and dairy foods, as well as sensitivities to gluten. It is important that all offending ingredients are avoided. Serious reactions can be triggered by trace amounts introduced by a knife, cutting board or container that was in contact with the problem ingredient.
  • Advice: Read labels and either avoid using the ingredient, or be careful when handling and mixing foods to avoid cross-contact.
  • Always tell your guests what is in a food. This is no time for secret ingredients! You may even want to list the ingredients with the name of the dish on a buffet table.
  • Diabetic or low-fat diets may sound threatening, but in fact, it is easy to adapt meal plans. Portion sizes are critical.

If you are looking for a meal that fits a variety of needs:

• Start with cold shrimp or raw veggies with a salsa dip enjoyed before the meal.
• Serve roast or grilled turkey tenderloin or chicken glazed with pure fruit preserves. (Yes, this is OK even for the guest with diabetes.)
• Add several vegetarian side dishes such as a bean, whole grain or lentil salad or casserole.
• End with fresh fruit and a sprig of mint. Ginger ale (diet is OK) can add a flavor that makes it special.

Have a question for Judy about this article or like to know more about special dietary substitutions for favorite recipes?
Send her an e-mail at nutritionist@GiantEagle.com.

November 2009