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Gino Spano

If you’re planning a wedding, you know there’s going to be a lot of food. On top of everything else to consider when planning, you and your guests may also be concerned about overindulging on the big day. For those watching their waist but still looking to enjoy the food, there are many healthy options the menu can include. Here are five healthy wedding menu ideas that everyone will love.

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1. Organic Options

Organic food appeals to the taste-conscious and environmentally friendly eaters alike. Its popularity today has made it increasingly available with the “buy local” and “grow local” trends. The benefits of organic food are plenty, using what’s in season to minimize the amount of processed and frozen food choices on the menu. As local and organic options generally have more flavour than their imported counterparts, you’ll get the freshest options and best on the market.

When brainstorming wedding menu ideas, ask the caterer where they source food, and if they buy local where possible. Caterers can source produce from nearby farmers and areas for the freshest food, and knowing where it comes from means supporting those local communities.

2. Make Veggies the Star

Veggies are not only a colourful addition to the menu; they’re as tasty and exciting as any non-veggie dish. We eat with our eyes and nose first—colourful, flavourful vegetables brighten any dish. Many alternatives, such as root vegetables like beets and sweet potatoes, still fill up you and your guests, without the weight found in other starchy carbs.

Pick seasonal ones for optimal taste and flavour, and swap canola oil for alternatives such as sunflower, grapeseed and olive oil. Grill, roast, and sauté vegetables with additional seasonings for full flavor. There are so many ways to add vegetables into dishes, whether as a side or a main, that all guests—vegetarians and carnivores, will love.

3. Low-Cal Drink Options

On a hot summer day, you and your guests will enjoy all sorts of fun, delicious drinks. Within the wedding menu ideas you come up with, consider offering low-calorie alternatives that are just as tasty as their original counterparts.

Offer a variety of healthy drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, for everyone to select. Craft ‘skinny’ cocktails with lower sugar levels than their originals. Serve iced tea and water with fresh fruit and citrus juices to give plain H20 a refreshing and delicious spin. With something for everyone, all guests can stay hydrated and refreshed. Sparkling water with citrus and berries with a mint or basil garnish can be a refreshing and visually enticing option, too.

4. Pick Good Proteins

Protein has a number of health benefits. It’s filling and satisfies hunger, leaving you less likely to snack on sweets later. The standards include chicken, pork, steak, and seafood varieties. Work with caterers to choose proteins that are filling, lean, and sourced locally. Consider alternatives such as smoked salmon and lean chicken, instead of only offering dark meat. Pick local proteins as much as possible, for maximum freshness and full flavour.

5. Substitute Where Possible

Coming up with different wedding menu ideas can also include just substituting a lot of dishes for nutritious alternatives. Buffalo wings can be substituted for buffalo cauliflower—not only will you fool the meat-eaters, you’ll be surprised at the flavour and taste. Replace beef sliders with tofu, consider lettuce wraps instead of standards rolls: these tiny changes make a huge difference overall.

Rethink bread baskets as your standard table fixture. Instead, substitute rolls with gluten-free alternatives or whole grains, such as whole grain rolls, quinoa, and brown rice. Caterers offer a number of services, so talk to your caterer about possible substitutions. You don’t need to sacrifice flavour for health. There are so many menu ideas to choose from that are both healthy and delicious.

The Guide to Planning Your Perfect Wedding

Gino Spano

Starting with roots in a kitchen at 14 years old, he worked his way up the ranks and by the young age of 17 was responsible for daily events of 50 to 600 people. Gino continued to use his talents to work in catering, banquet and restaurant kitchens across the GTA. His love for Italian, French and Asian cuisine paired with his wide variety of knowledge brought him success in his new venture at Seventh Heaven in 2001. Over the past 12 years, he has cooked many meals for social events, corporate events and government officials. His love for new challenges brought him into corporate sales where he and the Seventh Heaven team won Best Catered Event for Canadian Linen’s “The Great White North” – Facility Grand Opening in 2009.
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