food for groups - help

Avatar for nmillerhhi
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
food for groups - help
4
Wed, 07-25-2007 - 8:21am

Many groups that I deal with serve snacks or meals to the attendees. I am in the process of insisting that they include items that people with diabetes and/or weight problems can eat. The usual concession is a package of sugar free cookies. However it would help if I could give them some ideas.

These cannot involve foods that require preparation. Foods are catered or packaged. They don't mind sending someone to a grocery store to pick up some items.

Can anyone here give me some ideas of things I can recommend that they serve? It's hard to sit and eat nothing while everyone is indulging in pastries and juice.

Nancy

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 07-25-2007 - 10:27am

Hi Nancy,


How about some fresh veggies and some fruits. In my supermarket they sell packages of pre cut carrots, celery and cauliflower. You can also get strawberries and grapes which are easy to get ready for a meeting. How about some string cheese?


Don't fall for the low fat muffins because they have lots of added sugar since the fats have been removed.


Are these helpful suggestion?






iVillage Member
Registered: 07-10-2003
Wed, 07-25-2007 - 8:34pm

A couple possibilities especially if they do provide bottled water could be some of those flavorings. The stores have so many of them now its almost confusing but at least gives people choices other than pop or diet pop. if they provide coffee, one option to might be to get some of the splenda flavoring tubes. i think they have hazelnut, vanilla nut, and one other flavor. made with splenda, and i bet those not diabetic would like them too. Also on the drink end, they do now have juices with reduced sugar and the old standbyes...tomato juice and V8 juice! neither of which have really many carbs(although higher in sodium).

another more expensive option could be to get some of those packages with measured amounts of various snacks, like the nabisco 100 calorie packages. One caution those range a lot in carbs so you need to watch what those are, but since they are in measured servings its a no brainer to know exactly what you are getting!! A couple advantages with them, is what isnt eaten can be saved for the next time. also if they shop at a sams club you can find larger assortments sometimes.

Like MaryFrances says fruit and veggie plates can be a great choice.

another possibility might be to ask for meat & cheese trays with at least some not higher fat or more processed meats. Cheese sticks come in light versions too. personally I like I think its sargento light ones. If they offer sandwhiches for lunch, and in addition to the breads or buns, offer wraps,etc.

Another option and maybe not as doable might be either asking for some yogurt cups, or yogurt drinks. those come in such a large range now that they can get low fat, low carb, low sugar, etc etc etc.
Auntydoxzz

Avatar for nmillerhhi
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 07-26-2007 - 7:20am

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm copying them and passing them along. I'm not sure what they can institute from these but at least they have some ideas. I checked the American Diabetes Association website but everything I found required cooking or preparation which won't work. I also suggested low carb granola bars and apples.

Everyone wants to accommodate diabetics but I admit it is difficult in these situations.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-10-2003
Thu, 07-26-2007 - 1:10pm

Actually the employer might be pleasantly suprised if they start providing fruit or like a fruit plate. A lot of people would actually prefer that to some sweet rolls, candy, etc.

If they dont provide bottled water, it might be good to ask if they can, and then get some of those flavorings. It might take a little work finding what works for you, but even if they dont provide the flavorings, you probably could pick some up. then you wont feel so limited.
Auntydoxzz