What to do if you’re in charge of the food.

Your boss puts you in charge of making sure everybody at the big meeting is well fed. You contact a caterer, prepare a menu, ensure delivery, and dress the tables with tablecloths and centerpieces.

But haven’t you forgotten something? What about nutrition?

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that the quality of the food you serve at the meeting, convention, seminar or reception will reflect on the quality of the company. So you certainly want to make a good impression by serving the highest quality - and most nutritious - food possible in case many of your guests are potential clients. 

However, many people consume a significant portion of food away from home, but meals consumed at cafeterias, from vending machines, and at too many conventions, meetings and seminars aren’t as nutritious as what’s prepared at home. People tend to graze at meetings as they talk about the day’s business and press the flesh.

Encouraging good nutrition

In general, Americans' diets exceed saturated fat and sodium recommendations, and few Americans are meeting fruit, vegetable, and whole-grain recommendations, according to the federal government’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Try these tips from the Centers when selecting foods and beverages for breaks or meals at all-important meetings, conferences, and other work events so guests go home happy:

•  Discuss with the caterer your desires for healthy foods and beverages.

•  Consider providing options that accommodate various dietary preferences and needs.

•  Offer a variety of grains—especially whole grains—and fruits and vegetables. Examples include fresh fruit and salads; fresh and cooked vegetables; whole-grain breads, pasta, and cereals; and muffins, fruit breads, or granola bars.

•  Provide fat-free, low-fat, or low-calorie foods and beverages. Try fat-free or low-fat salsa; sweet mustard; angel food cake; yogurt and other dairy products; lean meats, poultry or fish; and cooked and dried beans, peas and lentils.

•  Offer foods and beverages low in added sugars or even sugar free. Consider unsweetened cereals, fruit spreads, cereal bars, water, 100% fruit juices, and regular and decaffeinated coffee or tea.

•  Serve low-sodium foods, such as unsalted pretzels, popcorn, or baked chips; grilled or roasted entrees; and entrees cooked with spices and herbs instead of salt.

•  Include smaller portions, such as mini-muffins or mini-bagels, and one-inch low-fat cheese squares.

•  Use smaller plates to encourage portion control.

•  Offer beverages only at mid-morning and mid-afternoon breaks.

•  Consider not offering food at mid-morning or mid-afternoon meetings, presentations and seminars—or at least only fruits, vegetables and/or other healthy foods.

Nubella tip: Wondering what to serve for breakfast, lunch, dinner and breaks? We have your answers.

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Nubella News, a division of Marketing Technology Solutions, Inc., offers content intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We encourage our readers to seek prompt medical care for health issues and consult their physicians before starting a new diet, fitness regimen, or medical treatment.