So we are all preparing for the Festive Season and if you’re anything like me this includes preparing for decadence. Being a sensitive foodie means offsetting the inevitable negative impacts of future treats. Trying to be a little bit healthier in the lead-up to the big week. Usually, this kind of balancing act happens inside my head (and of course my gut). However, as one of the Farm Shop’s newest staff members, I thought I’d introduce myself by sharing some mindful eating strategies here. So this is the first of a series of blogs discussing how to arrive at Christmas dinner ready to indulge. If you’re one of the lucky ones who doesn’t have to think about gluten, dairy or low carb alternatives, maybe these tips can help you provide tasty treats for your ‘more sensitive’ Xmas visitors.
Crackers
There are so many areas of indulgence over Xmas and New Year it’s hard to know where to start. Many festive parties involve nibbles, so I thought I would begin with cheese and crackers. Being gluten intolerant for 17 years I’ve suffered a lot of extremely tasteless GF alternatives (that were often quite unhealthy). Now, companies like Millers creating options of Gluten-Free crackers that pack flavour, texture and good nutritional value. There is now no more need to feel ‘gutted’ when you have to choose between bland rice crackers and erm…nothing.
My top choice in this range would be Millers Toast Gluten-Free Cranberry & Raisin (available below) which are high in protein, so low carb and have an excellent bite. If you aren’t gluten intolerant or Coeliac I’d recommend their more traditional Water Crackers (part of the Elements Range). Another tasty gluten-free option is the Easy Bean Range Chickpea Crispbreads in Seaweed and Sesame, Seeds and Black Pepper and cheddar flavour. These crackers are big and sturdy. Easy Bean crackers can carry a hearty load or easily break into bits for smaller nibbles or dipping. My favourite is Seeds and Black Pepper for its crisp texture and peppery punch. (only available instore)
Sourdough is not Gluten Free. However, it is a good middle ground for those who are sensitive to lots of gluten but not intolerant as such. Sourdough’s natural fermentation process makes it arguably easier to digest (for people with very low intolerance – not for celiacs). You may find that it’s easier than even some of the denser gluten-free varieties. Peters Yard Sourdough, Charcoal & Rye Crispbread has such depth of flavour they are amazing. No matter if they are on their own and paired with any subtle cheese really sets them off. Which leads nicely into the subject of my next blog and one of my favourite subjects in the whole world. Cheese.
So we are all preparing for the Festive Season and if you’re anything like me this includes preparing for decadence. Being a sensitive foodie means offsetting the inevitable negative impacts of future treats. Trying to be a little bit healthier in the lead-up to the big week. Usually, this kind of balancing act happens inside my head (and of course my gut). However, as one of the Farm Shop’s newest staff members, I thought I’d introduce myself by sharing some mindful eating strategies here. So this is the first of a series of blogs discussing how to arrive at Christmas dinner ready to indulge. If you’re one of the lucky ones who doesn’t have to think about gluten, dairy or low carb alternatives, maybe these tips can help you provide tasty treats for your ‘more sensitive’ Xmas visitors.
Last Words
But before I go I just want to mention our bespoke catering services. We can create a selection of healthy (and less healthy 😉 options for you, your family and guests. Reach out to any staff member in-store or contact us via orders@farmshop.com giving us some ideas of who, what and when and we will take all the strain of catering for picky people (like me!) off your Christmas prep list. Leaving you time to read more blogs!
