| Are
you trying to follow a special diet in order to improve your health
or lose weight? If so, you've probably found that one of the
hardest things to do is to shop and prepare meals.
At The Traveling Chef, we've had experience with clients on
a variety of dietary requirements and we can certainly find something to meet
the needs of your or someone you know. During our initial consultation, we'll talk about the
diet guidelines required. We'll select entrees from our extensive menu and
we can include nutritional information to guide you. We're always happy
to provide additional choices so we're sure to fit your needs and you'll never get
bored by a limited or stagnant selection.
Let us know if you're working with a personal trainer or
nutritionist, as we can consult with them as well.
Don't see the diet you're looking for? Give us a
call and we can discuss your requirements. Here's
just a partial list of the dietary requirements of our clients:
- A food allergy is an immune system response
to a food that the body mistakenly believes is harmful. Once the
immune system decides that a particular food is harmful, it
creates specific antibodies to it.
-
- The next time the individual eats that food,
the immune system releases massive amounts of chemicals,
including histamine, in order to protect the body. These
chemicals trigger a cascade of allergic symptoms that can affect
the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, or
cardiovascular system.
-
- Scientists estimate that approximately 11
million Americans suffer from true food allergies. At the
present time, there is no cure for food allergy. Avoidance is
the only way to prevent an allergic reaction.
-
- Although an individual could be allergic to
any food, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats, they are not as
common as the following eight foods which account for 90% of all
food-allergic reactions:
- Eggs
- Fish
- Milk
- Peanuts
- Shellfish
- Soy
- Tree Nuts
- Wheat
At The Traveling Chef, we know how difficult it can be
preparing food for those members of your family with specific
allergies. To assist you, we'll develop a family-specific list
of foods to be avoided and available substitutes, if appropriate.
We'll then work with you to select menu items that can be made or
modified to fit your dietary needs.
Because we use so many fresh ingredients in our
cooking, you don't need to be worried about long lists of food
additives. When we occasionally use processed food, such as
pasta, you can let us know which brands work best for you. We'll even send you a
shopping list prior to your cook date, to make sure that we have not
selected inappropriate ingredients.
Please let us know if we can help with your
specific needs.
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Nutrition
and the Graying Palate
Seniors are the fastest growing segment of the population in the
United States. In 2000, seniors represented 13% of our population
and by the year 2030, seniors will represent 20%, or one in five
people. Everyday more than 5,500 Americans turn 65 and this rapidly
growing aging population is also plagued with health problems.
A recent study done by the National Center for Health Statistics has
identified the following chronic conditions in people age 65 or
over:
49% have hypertension
36% have arthritis
31% have heart disease
20% have cancer
15% have diabetes
Specific dietary changes can improve many of these ailments, but
first we have to get our seniors to eat properly, possibly avoiding
these problems to begin with. 67% of people between the ages of 65
and 84 need to improve their diet, according to the Healthy Eating
Index.
There are a variety of food challenges, specific
to seniors:
| Challenge
|
Solution
|
| Seniors
need to reduce their caloric intake and increase
their nutrition at the same time. |
The Traveling Chef chefs concentrate on providing delicious nutrient-dense
foods. Including fortified low fat milk, low fat yogurt
and low fat cheese increases both Vitamin D and calcium.
Adding dark leafy greens, orange and yellow vegetables,
fruits, such as berries, apricots, peaches and mangoes
in menus increases folic acid and antioxidants. High
fiber foods, such as beans and lentils, are vitally
important in ensuring proper digestion, and contain
nutrients not found in most meat and poultry.
|
| Sense
of taste and smell naturally decrease as we age
and medications only exacerbate the problem. Most
seniors take an average of 3 medications per day and
many of these medications further dull sensory perception.
|
We
amplify flavors without adding additional sodium. Flavored
vinegars, citrus, fresh herbs and concentrated flavors
like fruit preserves, roasted meats and roasted vegetables
intensify flavor without adding sodium. |
| Senior
depression is one of the leading causes of loss
of appetite. Social isolation, loss of mobility
and loss of a spouse are some of the reasons this can
occur. |
Having
a chef prepare meals in their home often gives seniors
the additional personal contact they crave. We understand
that need and spend extra time during our cooking day
visiting with clients. Often, they'll spends
hours in the kitchen or an adjoining room, enjoying
lively conversation. Cooking aromas also stimulate
their appetites. A variety of foods will help stop the
boredom many seniors feel when they experience depression.
Another approach that often works is preparing meals
from the senior’s homeland. The memory perception from
their childhood often evokes feelings of well-being.
We also find many families sharing our service with aging parents.
Having your chef prepare a few extra
portions is a great way to provide meals for senior
relatives, friends and neighbors and delivering them
is a good excuse to visit! |
| Loss
of mobility is another challenge seniors face. This
can impact both their ability to shop for food as well
as to prepare food. |
The
meals we prepare will only require a few minutes of
heating at mealtime, helping those seniors who have
trouble standing for long periods of time. |
| Loss
of teeth, denture problems and mouth sores often
make it difficult for seniors to chew. |
We
prepare nutritious soft foods for our seniors who are
experiencing these problems. |
|
Decreased saliva can affect the aging palate, which
impacts both taste and swallowing capabilities.
|
Hearty
soups serve double-duty by both increasing the moisture
in the mouth and also by providing necessary fluid intake.
Increasing the sauces in recipes also assures more moisture
in meals. |
| There
is often confusion about proper nutrition, especially
when a doctor has prescribed a special diet with restrictions.
When a spouse is trying to care for a partner or has
lost the person who had always prepared their meals
for them, this can be particularly troublesome.
|
We
possesses an in-depth knowledge about nutrition and
special diets, however we are not nutritionists. Most
of our clients have special dietary needs, and we are
skilled at following your specifications. Whenever possible,
we prefer to work with the client’s dietician or nutritionist
to insure that each individual’s nutritional needs are
completely met. |
|
The
South Beach Diet can't be classified as a low-carb diet, a low-fat
diet, or a high-protein diet. Its rules: Consume the right carbs
and the right fats, and learn to snack strategically. The South
Beach Diet has been so widely successful because people lose
weight without experiencing cravings or feeling deprived, or
even feeling that they're on a diet. It allows you to enjoy
"healthy" carbohydrates, rather than the kinds that
contribute to weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
You can eat a great variety of foods in a great variety of recipes.
This prevents repetition and boredom, two obstacles to long-term
success. The goal is that The South Beach Diet becomes a healthy
lifestyle, not just a diet.
Here's a few menu selections, straight from Dr.
Agatston's book:
Vegetable Quiche Cups To Go A
quick, low-fat and South Beach-friendly breakfast treat, these
Quiche Cups are packed with spinach, egg whites and low-fat cheese.
Made in muffin tins, they can be easily packed and reheated in the
microwave.
Gingered Chicken Breast Another
South Beach-friendly dish, these chicken breasts are marinated in
ginger, garlic and fresh lemon juice. Lightly sautéed, they make a
satisfying dinner.
Cheesy Frittata Low
fat Monterey Jack cheese gives this frittata its cheesy flavor. This
is a great breakfast alternative if you're in Phase I of South
Beach.
Surprise South Beach Mashed Potatoes
When is a potato not a potato? When it's made from
pureed cauliflower. In a side-by-side taste with my Mashed Potatoes,
you'll know the difference. If you're trying the South Beach Diet,
you should give these a try.
Vanilla Ricotta Creme Another
South Beach dish, this is a great dessert alternative during Phase
I. Ok, Ricotta Crème is your only dessert alternative!
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| Pundits
claim that high protein/low fat is unhealthy, but this diet
seems to work for a lot of people. Whether you're just
starting Induction or have moved on to later phases, having
food prepared for you with exact carbohydrate counts will keep
you on track with the Atkins plan.
Here's a few great choices:
Chicken Curry
Where's the curry?
It's in the trio of cumin, coriander and ginger.
This simple weekday dish packs a lot of flavor. 2 grams
carbohydrates.
Comforting Shredded Beef
This is a wonderfully homey dish that is rich in meaty flavor, long
simmered in a Cognac/Chianti blend for deeper flavor.
Great served with a crusty bread. 6 grams carbohydrates.
Roast Stuffed Cornish Hens
Most people think of Cornish hens as festive fare.
They make a stunning presentation and are a great departure from
your regular, week night fare. 1 gram carbohydrate.
Two-Step Salsa Chili
Salsa lends terrific seasoning to this beef-packed
chili. 7 grams carbohydrates. |
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| Counting
points or following the Core program on Weight Watchers are
both great ways to drop a few pounds. Whether you're attending
meetings, using Weight Watchers online tools or just tracking
on your own, we can provide portion-controlled meals and their
associated point values to help keep you on track. Our
collection of Weight Watchers cookbooks and subscription to
their monthly magazine is sure to keep you inspired with new
menu ideas.
Here are just a few samples:
Herb Breaded Chicken with Creamy Mustard Sauce
This chicken is dipped in buttermilk, dredged in an herbed breading
and baked. The creamy mustard
sauce makes a fine contrast of flavor and texture.
6 points.
Cheese-Stuffed Italian Chicken
Tender chicken breasts, stuffed with tasty mozzarella.
Another low fat favorite. 5 points.
North African Lentil Stew
A virtually fat free stew of lentils and vegetables
in a flavorful tomato broth.
3 points. |
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| Are
you a fan of the low fat approach? If so, you probably
follow the principles espoused by Dr. Dean Ornish is his groundbreaking
book, Eat More, Weigh Less.
The diet that Dr. Ornish recommends is a low-fat,
plant-based diet that uses fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and
soy products in their natural forms. This incorporates moderate quantities
of egg whites and nonfat dairy or soy products and small amounts of sugar
and white flour. These foods give you a double benefit: They are low in
substances that are harmful and are rich in literally hundreds of
substances that may be protective against heart disease and many other
illnesses.
The food choices are vegetarian, with an eye toward
keeping the fat content down. Having a personal chef prepare low fat
meals in your home is a great way to follow a low fat plan.
Here are some tasty choices:
Chickpea and
Spinach Curry
This fiber-rich dish is great with warm pitas or served over
basmati rice.
Tortilla
Casserole
This casserole uses tortillas in the same way as noodles for
lasagna.
The tofu/bean/tomato layers provide low-fat protein and texture,
seasoned with a Mexican flavor.
Vegetable
Lasagna
To my family and clients, this dish ranks higher on
the scale of culinary treats than regular lasagna.
And to think it's good for you - low in fat and high
in fiber.
This lasagna gets its veggie flavor from broccoli and
spinach.
|
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| A
vegetarian or vegan diet can be an incredibly healthy way to
live and offers a wonderful array of culinary adventures.
Using legumes, soy products, fruits, vegetables and fresh herbs,
The Traveling Chef is sure to find a variety of meal choices to
please your palate.
We've got lots of experience with vegetarian diets and
many of our families eat vegetarian
meals several times a week, using great ingredients such as tofu, tempeh,
black beans and lots of fresh vegetables.
You know that preparing vegetarian fare requires lots of
planning - all those vegetables to chop and beans to soak. Let a
Personal Chef help with the process!
Here's some great samples:
Cuban
Black Beans and Rice A Caribbean classic -
black beans gently simmered in a spicy vegetable broth, served over brown
rice. Greatly complemented
with a garnish of sour cream and scallions.
Stir-Fried
Broccoli with Red Peppers and Peanut Sauce A
Thai base sauce with four simple flavors of salt, sour, sweet and hot,
mellowed with coconut milk and peanut butter.
Assault all of your senses in a single meal!
Vegetarian
Chili
This terrific chili gets it's character from a combination of beans
and tempeh, a great soy product. The
smokiness of a single chipolte pepper is accented with the sweetness of
blackstrap molasses.
Lentils
Olé Try
this great lentil dish with the Mexican flair.
These lentils go well with rice, plain pasta or corn bread.
Or, serve them as a taco filling with chopped vegetables and grated
cheese.
Tortilla
Casserole
This casserole uses tortillas in the same way as noodles
for lasagna. The
tofu/bean/tomato layers provide low-fat protein and texture,
seasoned with a Mexican flavor. |
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