Food allergies or sensitivities, religious practices, and ideological beliefs are some of the main reasons why people follow specific diets or follow dietary restrictions. While some restrictions are intended to prevent life-threatening events, others are based on the guest's personal and moral beliefs. Artificial sweeteners tend to work best in foods that don't require sugar for texture, moisture, or color. One of the main reasons why you should ask for dietary requirements when ordering a catering service is to identify food allergies. As a host or event planner, it's not only your job to make sure your guests have a good time, but also to make sure that the food you serve is in line with the diets they follow.
While there is no “cure” for gluten sensitivity, changing your diet is often enough to avoid symptoms. The Disabled World category of recipes and special dietary information for health conditions offers diet plans and recipes for conditions such as diabetes, allergies and Crohn's disease. There are numerous gluten-free versions of the most popular cereals, as well as a range of specially prepared cereals, muesli and granola. Lida De Souza, from De Souza Associates, shares her experience of dealing with unusual dietary needs.
In fact, it is estimated that up to 30 out of 100 people in the United Kingdom currently live with a food intolerance or allergy, meaning that the possibility of having to attend to one or more special dietary needs is almost certain. Calcium and vitamin D deficiencies are a big possibility, and people on a strict paleo diet are likely to need supplements. When you hire a catering service, it's very important to determine if any of your guests have special dietary needs. It is very important that delegates do not feel alienated or feel that they are missing something because they have a food need.
While you may only be preparing one meal or a single day for someone following a vegan diet, it's worth mentioning the effort and planning needed to ensure that your body gets all the nutrients it needs and that are normally found in animal products. Because these foods affect each person differently, a person would have to follow a FODMAP diet for exactly 2 weeks or more and then start introducing certain foods one at a time to measure the effect on their body. It's important to consider the special dietary restrictions and requirements of your guests when requesting a catering service for an office or for events.
