Community Update

RESTRICTED DIETS

Wednesday, Aug 14, 2013

Even if you yourself do not have a restricted diet, chances are you probably know someone who does. Whether by choice or due to food allergies or intolerances - more and more people are becoming aware of foods that don’t serve their bodies and purging them from their diet asap! Lifestyle diets are in fact here to stay - especially in Malibu where awareness of what's going into our bodies allows people to live a much happier, healthier and active life. Just look around our town and you'll see living proof of that!

If you choose to host a dinner party at your home, even a casual backyard BBQ, having someone on the guest list with a limited diet can surely be a bit intimidating...and may at times seem easier to just scratch them off the list and not invite them at all....ouch!

 The truth of the matter is - it's not easy, especially if you haven't experience with gluten free, vegan, all raw, non-dairy, kosher - just to name a few, dietary choices. Yet it's a shame to avoid dear friends simply because of what they will or will not eat - no, no, no, it's time be brave and get your culinary game on! Here's how:

First, start by asking them any and all questions that you have, so you can be educated on their diet limitations and accommodate them, the best you can.

Those of you with the restricted diets, as a guest, let your host know all of your restrictions if they are offering to make food you can eat. Most of all, be as gracious as possible, especially if they are cooking and going out of their way to take care of your needs.

Quick tips for both host and guest!:

HOST:

Do your homework - 



1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – ask about ALL of their restrictions. Don’t guess and don’t ignore...this could save a trip to the Urgent Care.

2. Ask what they CAN eat - Just as important as the things they cannot eat, ask about all of the foods your guest is able to eat. This can help open your eyes to the possibilities instead of just the restrictions.

3. Ask specifically for recommendations or recipes -  Ask about dishes that you could make that would be safe for your guest and could be enjoyed by everyone..

4. Ask the guest to bring a dish or dishes to share.

5. Search the internet for recipes that fit into their restrictions. There are so many amazing blogs with incredible recipes that everyone can enjoy. Send them over to your guest ahead of time for their approval.

6. Select a menu that is simple and enjoyable for all of your guests -   

Living in Malibu, we are blessed to have access to some of the best and freshest produce around - as well as lifestyle products. There are tons of foods that are naturally gluten-free, vegan, etc. Focus on those.

7. Ask your guest to help you plan the menu, cook and/or go shopping with you. This will insure you are selecting safe ingredients and you won’t put a ton of time into a dish they can’t end up eating - been there.

8. Be mindful of cross contamination and watch for hidden ingredients.

9. Don’t try to guilt your guest into “just eat/try this or that”. If they aren’t interested in your cheese dip, even if they are just dairy-free by choice, it’s OK – I am sure your cheese dip is delicious, they probably just don’t want to spend the remainder of the evening in your bathroom. You probably don’t want them to either.

GUEST:

1. Make sure to call ahead to let the host know of your restrictions. Some hosts may have more experience and awareness with your restrictions than you might realize.

2. Kindly offer to bring a dish to share that everyone will enjoy or to bring your own meal entirely. Some people just might be uncomfortable with the daunting task of cooking for special dietary needs. Be prepared for that and don’t be put off.

3. Make it clear that you aren’t expecting them to bend over backwards for you. Let them know you are totally willing to bring your own food if that makes them more comfortable.

4. Offer your advice if they have any questions. Let them know it's cool to reach to you with any and all things they are uncertain about.

5. Have a snack (or a full meal, if necessary) before you go. If you are staying with someone for a length of time, bring plenty of snacks and foods to have on hand for in between meals or making your own meals.

6. Be as gracious as possible, no matter what. When there isn’t much for you to eat and the host is feeling guilty, let them know you appreciate their effort, be grateful and appreciative.

7. If you are headed to a formal event like a wedding, make note of your restrictions on the reply card if you feel comfortable. If you don’t, eat a decent sized meal before you leave. If you can’t eat anything being served, don’t make a big deal at the event. Most people won’t even notice if you aren’t eating.