Let s face it when it comes to vegetarians ( unless you are one) most of us really don't understand what a vegetarian can eat and what they really WANT to eat. The last thing you want is one of your guest to be hungry after everyone has enjoyed the wedding breakfast you have spent months planning. But what is it your vegetarian wants to eat??
Often your caterer will ask or will provide you with a list of vegetarian options and it is up to you to choose. You then will go and ask your vegetarian guest what it is they would like to eat and the answer always is " I don t want to put you out " or " just whatever they have will be fine " At the end of the day the decision always seems to be placed on your shoulders even though you have never been a vegetarian in your life . So how do we think like a vegetarian?
First things first, an explanation of the vegetarian lingo:
PESCETARIAN:
A pescetarian diet excludes land animals and birds, but includes fish, mollusks, and crustaceans in addition to fruits, vegetables, plants, legumes, nuts, and grains. Eggs and dairy may or may not be present in the pescetarian's diet.
FLEXITARIAN:
A flexitarian is a term recently coined to describe people who consider themselves a semi-vegetarian . Mostly people who have given up red meat for medical reasons. Other people who categorize themselves in this way may choose to only eat free range or organic products.
VEGETARIAN:
Someone who doesn’t eat any meat, including poultry, game, fish, and seafood, or any meat by-products, such as broth, gravy, or fat, or foods cooked with meat.
OVO-VEGETARIAN:
Vegetarian that eats eggs
LACTO-VEGETARIAN:
A diet that includes dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurht, butter, cream, and kefir, but excludes eggs . Lacto-vegetarians also abstain from cheeses that include animal rennet and yogurts that contain gelatin.
OVO-LACTO-VEGETARIAN:
Avegetarian who does not eat animal flesh of any kind, but is willing to consume dairy and egg products
VEGAN:
A vegetarian who consumes no animal products . Veganism excludes animal products that do not require the death of the animal, such as wool whereas most vegetarians simply do not wear clothes made of leather, fur, or any type of animal product which necessitates the killing of the animal.
PESCETARIAN:
A pescetarian diet excludes land animals and birds, but includes fish, mollusks, and crustaceans in addition to fruits, vegetables, plants, legumes, nuts, and grains. Eggs and dairy may or may not be present in the pescetarian's diet.
Wooh! Now that we have that straight ! What can I feed them ?
Beverages - Almond Milk, water, juice, fruit smoothies and organic teas
Grains - breads, pasta
Beans - chickpeas, black beans, or lentils are filled with essential proteins. These can replace the meat you may have otherwise added.
Tofu
Quorn products - meat-less burgers, sausage, fish-less fish fingers the list goes on and on ...
Peanut butter
Vegetables - salads are a great entrée for any vegetarian . Add eggs and a handful of nuts and you have a protein packed meal anyone will enjoy !
Fruits - platters, sliced, squeezed, mashed lots and lots of options !
Pasta - be sure to read the labels
Rice
Eggs - frittata packed with eggs or quiche
Any pasta, lasagne, chilli, stir-fries, and soups (use veggie broth) can all be made without meat.
A pasta station where people can choose their own toppings, Not only will this surprise your vegetarian guests with an excellent meal option but will also allow your other guests to customize their entrées.
Most vegetarians don t want you to go out of your way to please them but you will be appreciated for your thoughtful consideration and praised by your beloved vegetarian friends and family.
So you have figured out what kind of vegetarian you are catering for and you have gathered some ideas on what you want to feed them but what about vegetarian etiquette. Yes etiquette !
DON'T feel bad about asking your vegetarian what kind of restrictions they may have.
I have gathered some information from various sources and people to find out the dos and don't s when it comes to feeding a vegetarian . Didn't think it was this complicated ? Well remember that vegetarians have their own reasons for wanting to stray away from the meat eaters in the world . Its not always for medical reasons or it may be strictly for medical reason but, for whatever reason your vegetarian has chosen this lifestyle it should be respected and accepted the same as a person eating red meats. DON'T make a big deal out of someone being a vegetarian .
When catering for vegetarians DO keep in mind the vegetarian food pyramid. It is essential that the correct vitamins and nutrients are provided in the food. The pyramid should be laid out as follows:
Top/ eat sparingly: vegetable fats, oils , sweets and salts
Sencond level/ eat moderately: low-fat or non-fat milk , yogurt, fresh cheese and fortified alternative group 2-3 servings
Second level/ eat moderately: legume, nnut seeds and meat alternative group 2-3 servings
Third level/ eat generously: vegtable group 3-5 servings
Third level / eat generously: fruit group 2-4 servings
Fourth level/ eat liberally: whole grain bread, cereal pasta and rice group 6-11 servings
Remember eating a well rounded meal is ideal for everyone even those who aren't vegetarians. We all should be getting all of our daily servings with or with out meat.
DON'T be offended if your vegetarian guests offers to bring their own food. They realize that if your not a vegetarian you may not be aware of a wide array of dishes to make. But keep in mind exploring new dishes to make and experiment with may open your eyes to a new taste you may not have been aware of for you and your guest vegetarian .
Do experiment with new flavours.
DO remember to make enough for everyone to try the dish . Even your non-vegetarian guest will want to try something new !
DON'T be afraid or apologise for eating meat. Vegetarians are not going to be offended if you are having a large turkey and have invited them over. Just make sure you have made food for everyone to have a choice.
DO have fun and relax after all it's your dinner party and your all there to have a good time !
For more advise or assistance with special dietry requirments you can email us executivecatering@hotmail.co.uk or give us a call and one of the team will be more than happy to help: 0191 3863682
How To Feed Your Vegetarian Guests
