Buffets and Parties
The party season is upon us, with lots of opportunities for gatherings with food and drink to enjoy. Having recently arranged a party, I discovered how tricky it is to get a caterer that will do real food and it got me thinking about how wildly variable the quality of party food can be.
I was also musing on some business events I went to this year. Some were dire – classic corporate carb fests (and in anticipation I had taken some food with me) but I won’t name and shame. Tables full of processed padding to push you towards weight gain and T2diabetes. I wonder how many of those that ate them were still sharp (or even awake) in the afternoon.
A shining contrast was at the Torpenhow Organic Cheese Farm. Delicious, nutritious, colourful.
Here are a few pics – from the truly terrible ultra-processed offerings in the supermarkets’ party sections, through buffets I’ve seen at business events and finally a fabulous social event.
On sale now:
-some better of course, like cheeses and cold meats
– others ultra-processed and loaded with seed oil; best left in the shop.
Monochromatic beige feast:
Sandwiches and chips.
Has potential:
There’s some protein in the sausage rolls, sandwich fillings and quiche. Other than the pickled onions, almost no plants in evidence – even the salad is mostly pasta. Everything on the table came with carbs.
Better but nutritionally lacking:
Salad and chips with veg soup – 100% carbs with no protein or fats – luckily I had some cheese in my bag 🙂
Key survival tips for buffets like these – eat the fillings from the sandwiches and any salad garnish, go easy on bread, chips and crisps, and skip any cakes – especially doughnuts. Or, knowing what these dos are usually like, take some emergency supplies with you. Unfortunate but necessary unless you’re happy to suffer the after effects.
And the best which I will name and celebrate:
Torpenhow Organic Cheese Farm
Finally, a gathering of retired colleagues.
Caterer – Lizzie from Seascale bakery; a lady who understands real food – I’ll use her again!!!!
Top tip: Even at parties, eat real food
Special Christmas Treat
What you really want for Christmas might not be something you wrap up under the tree. You might want to feel better, have more oomph, enjoy better health.
This Christmas, treat yourself to a personal consultation with me. You’ll love it when you learn how to eat well for a more vibrantly healthy life.
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learntoeatwell 