With the holidays fast approaching, anyone preparing to host family or friends this year is undoubtedly ironing out the finishing touches on their seasonal menus. But, as they make their final selections, it is essential that every host takes the dietary needs of their loved ones into account – not just to ensure that no one feels left out, but to avoid any potential health complications.
As well as providing ample vegetarian options for guests who don’t eat meat, reach out to your loved ones ahead of time to determine if anyone has a gluten intolerance. According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, 3 million Americans have the autoimmune digestive disorder, which prevents their bodies from processing gluten. If you do have to cater for someone with Celiac disease, make them feel at ease – and spare them some severe stomach cramps – by providing wheat-free alternatives for appetizers, stuffing and other holiday staples.
In addition, The Huffington Post recently published a few guidelines to help accommodate any diabetic relatives who may be joining you this year. To ensure that your guest’s blood sugar levels stay where they should be, make sure that there are always a few healthy snacks readily accessible.
Also, while no one wants to deal with stress over the holidays, make an extra effort to create a calm and comfortable environment for everyone, as increased amounts of cortisol – the hormone the body releases in response to high-pressure situations – can disrupt normal blood glucose levels.
By taking the time to do a bit of research about the dietary needs of your friends and family members, you can ensure that your holiday gathering is enjoyable for everyone in attendance.