Deciding on food options for a wedding reception has become a lot more challenging than in times past – even more challenging than selecting your houston wedding invitations. Many people are increasing their health consciousness and as a result, are trying to make better decisions about what they eat. Not to mention, there are more food allergies today than in days past. Providing options for your guest to pick from can make things a bit easier, but you’ve got to narrow down your choices.
The Right Caterer Makes All the Difference
Before making any decisions on your wedding reception menu options it is best to secure a caterer to help you narrow things down. If you’re trying to support healthy eating, then it would be best to look for a service provider that specializes in using these ingredients. There are companies that offer wedding catering that use organic produce and promote healthy eating. A caterer such as this would have experience in creating dishes for those who prefer to eat healthily and those other food-related issues (medical problems or religious choices).
So, what are some ideas for a healthy wedding reception menu? Below are a few choices to consider:
Lots of Fruits and Veggies
Approximately half of the meal should consist of a variety of fruits and vegetables. They are packed with vitamins and nutrients that the body needs to function properly. You can ask the chef to make them a bit more “fun” to eat. Fancy salads with green leafy vegetables, fruits, and nuts, is an option. Another would be to saute veggies or even grill fruit for a real treat.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are good for your health. They are packed with nutrients including fiber and protein which are vital to the body. It is recommended that people consume whole grains for their benefits including better digestion and the prevention of diseases like diabetes or heart disease. So, swap out that white rice or noodles for some brown rice or quinoa. You can also add bread and butter baskets to the table.
Allergy Alert: Gluten is an ingredient commonly found in whole grain. If you have guests that suffer from food allergies, you may want to have another option. Talk to your caterer about gluten-free bread, rice, and side dishes.
Lean Proteins
Proteins are crucial for the healthy development of muscle, skin, and bones. You can get protein in many forms which is great for diversity. The typical options would be chicken, beef, or pork, however, there are options that include seafood, eggs, nuts, and beans. You’ll need to incorporate the latter if you have guests who are vegetarian or vegan. Most couples offer a choice between chicken, beef, and pork or a seafood option. Salmon is a popular protein choice these days and it’s packed with fatty acids and nutrients which makes it a great menu item.
Healthy Drinks
Even if you plan on having an open bar with signature cocktails, you’ll want to make sure that your guests have something nourishing to drink. Instead of going with the sugary options you should look for healthy alternatives. Freshly squeezed juices provide all the benefits of fruit without the sugar from other drinks. You may also consider flavored water which is great for keeping your guests hydrated after rocking out on the dance floor.
The food you choose to serve at your wedding reception will have a lasting impact on your guests. Work with a caterer who understands your interests in eating healthy so that they can provide you with creative spins on some very popular but healthy food options. They’ll help you to put together a menu that provides tasty options for everyone to enjoy.
