Thanksgiving in our family means satisfying quite a few special dietary needs. There are vegetarians, diabetics, people with high cholesterol, and even a child who needs to eat high fat, high salt foods. I don’t want to prepare eight different meals and spend $400, but there needs to be options so that everyone can enjoy Thanksgiving. If you are in a similar situation, there are endless resources to help you not just get through the meal preparation, but wow your guests as well.
For the vegetarians, consider little things, like leaving the turkey drippings out of the gravy. That way they can enjoy their mashed potatoes with a little gravy like the rest of us do. Make sure you have a great salad planned and some delicious side dishes and your vegetarian guests will be thankful.
For the diabetic, instead of using high-sugar white breads, stick with whole grain. In fact, use whole grain flour in whatever you make. It’s healthier for everyone. It’s also nice to offer low-sugar desserts as well.
For those with nut allergies, be sure to read all packaged foods, like stuffing, carefully. Even items you would never think of as containing nuts can have them hidden inside.
For those with high cholesterol, be sure to include foods like sweet potatoes without mashing them and adding butter. In fact, avoid using butter while you cook and have it available for guests to add to their plates.
For those that need fatty, salty foods simply have those items available. An extra dish of butter, an extra bowl of gravy, and a couple of saltshakers placed strategically on the table will help them to fatten up their meal without you having to worry.
There are plenty of recipes available online as well. Whether it needs to be a nut-free, gluten-free or fat-free Thanksgiving, you have the ability to make it happen.