Health-conscious eaters are on the rise, which means mindful eating is one catering trend that isn’t going anywhere any time soon. For your next event, keep these catering menu ideas in mind to serve a meal that’s good for your guests and tastes amazing.
1. Swap in Vegetables
You can change many traditional menu items simply by offering a vegetarian option instead of the traditional dish. Instead of grilling beef burgers, try portabella mushroom burgers or substitute breaded chicken wraps for lettuce chicken wraps.
These nutritional catering menu ideas are lighter options that are a little easier on the waistline while retaining delicious flavour—not to mention, it’s an easy way to get in your daily serving of vegetables.
2. Pick and Choose Your Portions
Plated dinners make some people feel obligated to finish all the food on the plate. Buffet or sharing serving styles allow guests to pick their own portions instead of what’s been handed to them.
A variety of options allows guests to fill their plates with only what they want. Caterers offer attention-grabbing ideas for your next event that incorporate different menu styles.
3. Embrace Leaner Proteins
Instead of offering the usual steak or burgers, opt for lighter proteins such as chicken and fish. These lean meats are both healthier for your gut and can be served in a variety of ways that are just as delectable as the traditional mains.
Season salmon and tilapia with rosemary and olive oil or a teriyaki glaze, and serve marinated chicken breasts stuffed with kale and corn. If you must serve beef and steak, opt for lean cuts where the fat’s been trimmed already.
4. Baked Over Fried
Baked, grilled, and broiled menu items are all healthy alternatives to fried dishes. Hot entrees that include any of those words usually signify a nutritional option. If it’s possible, try to avoid fried foods entirely.
While fried spring rolls and fried chicken tastes sinfully delicious, there are plenty of healthier alternatives with comparable tastes. Serve steamed rice over fried rice and grill or roast vegetables instead of coating them with a light batter. The way food is prepared says a lot about its nutritional value.
5. Plate Sizes
Our eyes truly are bigger than our stomachs. Use a standard plate size, and apply the same mentality for bowls and glasses. This is particularly helpful if you’re serving your food buffet-style, where an oversized plate tempts people to fill it with more food than necessary.
Keep portions in check with smaller plates. Not only does the plate look full, it visually tricks guests into feeling full.
6. Rethink the Bread & Butter Option
Bread baskets on tables are a common sight, but they cause most guests to fill up on bread before the main course is served. Debate ridding the table of the bread basket entirely. Not only will you save on catering costs, but you’ll prevent a tiny bit of overeating among your guests.
While it’s a nice touch on the table, it adds little to no nutritional value. If you want to include something, substitute regular bread with gluten-free options or offer guests crostini before dinner.
7. Drink Options beyond the Usual
The standard wine, beer, and cocktail list will always be on the menu, but they don’t have to be the only options available. Provide low-cal varieties as an alternative to the traditional Cosmo. Guests can also enjoy alcohol-free drinks, such as juices, fruit-infused waters— with strawberries, oranges, limes, and cucumbers—and iced teas.
It only takes a small change to make a big difference. You can incorporate healthy wedding menu ideas guests will love or health-conscious catering menu ideas that are just as delicious. Guests will be raving about the food and eating healthy at the same time.
