5 festive foods to avoid over the holiday season

Christmas has come and gone – but our appetites haven’t! At Dean’s Production Catering in Los Angeles we have found the top ten worst foods to stay away from during your holiday break

The holiday season is the time for a little self-indulgence, however it seems we indulge ourselves a little too much over the holiday season, consuming approximately 600 extra calories per day between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. That is a lot of extra calories, so at Dean’s Catering in Los Angeles we have compiled 5 foods to avoid throughout the holiday period to ensure you don’t gain that weight!

Drinks

The worst offender for alcoholic drinks is the gin and tonic cocktail. With 240 calories and 22g of sugar in every glass, this drink is sure to expand your waistline! Stay away if you want to fit into those jeans.

Dips

It’s easy to get carried away with dips, a little here, a little there – and soon you’ve consumed the entire tub! That is why it is important to remember to go for more healthy dips so your attempt at eating those vegetables doesn’t go to waste by dipping them in a dip that’s high in fat and sugar. The dip to stay away from this season would be the spinach and artichoke dip, which contains 300 calories and 19g of fat!

Sides

We all know that potatoes are empty carbohydrates, with hardly any nutritional value. That is why the side to avoid for your holiday dinner is the roast potato stuffed with sour cream and butter. Sounds delicious, but just remember that each one contains 400 calories and 14g of fat!

Hot drinks

It’s just not the holidays without a delicious hot drink to warm your bones from that long day traipsing through the cooler winter day. The hot drink to avoid? White chocolate mochas, with a whopping 660 calories, this bad boy has 22g of fat and 95g of sugar!

Desserts

It’s the dish that we all look forward to after a big family dinner – dessert. The biggest desserts to avoid would be the Pecan pie à la mode which contains 810 calories, 65g of fat and 55g of sugar.

Other foods to avoid would be chocolates, soft drinks, cookies, cakes and other baked and sugary consumables that are hazardous to the waistline. At Dean’s Catering in Los Angeles, we understand that everything in moderation is okay, however when it comes to our menus and meals, we do not compromise on quality, taste and nutritional value for our clients.

We endeavor to provide our clients with the best in locally sourced foods that are not only healthy and fresh, but also delicious and nutritional – so your cast and crew get the best fuel to last those long days on set. At Dean’s Catering, we can help you get the most out of your employees so more work gets done with minimal fuss!

For more information on our menus and services, or to book us for an event please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Worst food trends of 2012

Companies are pushing ‘new’ ‘natural’ and ‘fat free’ foods into our baskets, but how healthy are they really?

At Dean’s Catering in Los Angeles we rely on locally sourced, fresh and healthy foods to incorporate into every single dish we create. After noting the bad food trends this year, we have decided to compile a few of the most important trends to avoid so you can live a healthier and happier life!

Companies labelling products ‘natural’

A study found that 28% of Americans purchased more ‘natural’ foods this year, which is really no wonder that big-shot company marketers have decided to label everything this way! Apparently it is not false advertising; there is no regulation on the ‘natural’ claim, so be careful when choosing your foods!

Fast food chains serving extra-salted ‘health’ foods

The recommended daily intake of sodium for an American adult is 2,300mg or even 1,500mg for some. Unfortunately restaurants have neglected this information and continue to pour salt all over their menus – which means higher cholesterol and higher danger of heart disease. Why risk it!
At Dean’s Catering in Los Angeles we use only the freshest and most healthy fruits, vegetables and meats sourced from high quality and ethical suppliers. This means each dish is healthy, delicious and nutritious – the perfect food to serve to your production team to keep them motivated, focused and attentive!
Know you are receiving the best in location catering with us at Dean’s Catering in Los Angeles.
For more information on our location catering services or to book us for a function, event or production, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Three of America’s most crazy foods!

At Dean’s Catering we are all for healthy and nutritious food, which is why we find these dishes so crazy!

It’s no secret that we at Dean’s Catering are dedicated to providing healthy, nutritious and delicious food for our clients. That is why when we came across these monster recipes for unhealthy and incredibly high-carb meals, they were so crazy and ridiculous we felt the need to share them!

3. The Luther Double Down

This contains two pieces of deep fried chicken, with bacon and two pieces of cheese in between, topped with a generous serve of mayonnaise – all nestled between two halves of a Krispy Kreme donut.

2. Pancakes and Sausage on a Stick

A sausage on a stick wrapped up in a pancake – available in original or choc chip.

1. Hot Beef Sundae

Just imagine – golden mashed potatoes covered with a generous portion of roasted and seasoned to perfection top round beef. Add aged cheddar cheese, more golden mashed potatoes smothered with beef gravy, more aged cheddar cheese, a slice of buttered toast and a cherry tomato on top.

These and other foods are causing fatigue, attention deficits and overall procrastination/lack of productivity across the country. That is why at Dean’s Catering in Los Angeles we are committed to only sourcing the freshest and healthiest foods possible, by hand-picking organic fruits and vegetables we are giving your cast and crew the best possible chance at getting their work done.

Gain the most out of your employees with Dean’s Catering film production services.

For more information on our menus, services or to book us for a production please contact us.

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Top Four Weirdest Fictional Foods

We know sci-fi fans have seen it all – but when it comes to food, these top four take the cake!

At Dean’s Catering in Los Angeles we love all things food and television, and we’ve mixed the two to come up with the world’s weirdest fictional foods to grace our screens!

4. Romulan Ale from the Star Trek universe…

The fluorescent blue drink is found only in the Star Trek movies, and contains absurdly high alcohol content – enough to get even the Klingons drunk!

3. Perri-air from Spaceballs

Neither eaten nor drunk, Perri-air provides its consumers with a fresh can of sparkling, fine French oxygen! Who wouldn’t want a bit of luxury breathing whilst traveling through outer space?

2. Dehydrated pizzas as seen in Back to the Future Part II

In a world with hover skateboards and time-traveling cars the Back to the Future universe if rife with amazing and odd curiosities. One being the dehydrated pizza – imagine a fresh and delicious pizza after just mere moments in the Black & Decker rehydrator!

1. Snozzberry Wallpaper from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Without a doubt the best place for fantastical foods would be Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory – with everlasting gobstoppers, soda that makes you fly and a chocolate river, it is truly a world full of wonder. However we found the weirdest food found in Willy Wonka to be the snozzberry wallpaper! It’s definitely out of the ordinary!

Ensure your team consumes healthy food with Dean’s Catering…

At Dean’s Catering we endeavour to provide our clients with high quality and delectable foods that are sure to impress and inspire. Don’t let your team lose energy – keep them optimised by ensuring they eat healthy nutritious food!

Our Los Angeles production catering solutions are of the highest quality, and we also offer a range of services to ensure your production goes as smoothly as possible!

For more information on our menus, services or to book us for a production, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Turn your Watchmen into The Incredibles by becoming The Punisher of bad diets!

We all know that superhero movies are becoming more and more popular, so it’s only natural super foods should be next…

With film production on an all-time superhero high, movies such as The Watchmen, The Incredibles and The Punisher have all seen actors buffing up or slimming down for roles. This is why at Dean’s Catering in Los Angeles we provide a myriad of healthy and delicious menus to cater for every superhero!

We all know superheroes need super food, which is why at Dean’s Catering we have found and compiled a list of the top five super foods!

1. Acai

This exotic berry found in the Amazon includes a remarkable concentration of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Considered one of the best offerings to combat premature aging and aid in brain activity, it’s no wonder it is considered a super food!

2. Yoghurt

Fantastic to help keep away common colds and other illnesses, yoghurt contains active ‘friendly bacteria’ to restore health to the digestive system.

3. Broccoli

Loaded with vitamin C, folic acid and carotenoids (which are full of vitamin A), broccoli can protect your cells from damage of bacteria and enhance the immune system.

4. Lentils

A great source for cholesterol-lowering fibre and lean protein, lentils also contribute to heart health and the improvement of blood flow, oxygen and nutrients.

5. Blueberries

Full of ellagic acid, the blueberry can help fight cancer and also has anti-inflammatory properties to help prevent infection from harmful bacteria.

Make your cast and crew work like superheroes on your production! With the help of Dean’s Catering, providing healthy, nutritious sustenance for your team has never been easier!

For more information on our production catering services or too book us to cater for your television show or movie, please contact us.

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Fish found to lower the risk of stroke!

Research has found that consuming fish has many medical benefits!

Did you know that eating fish at least twice a week can help prevent stroke? Eating fish regularly can also help prevent asthma, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, depression and help those suffering with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels!

With all these benefits of fish, at Dean’s Catering we have included fish in many of our set menus, creating delicious options that are sure to impress!

At Dean’s Catering in Los Angeles, we are dedicated to serving our clients with only the best high quality and nutritious foods to keep their teams working harder and more efficiently.

Enhance the health of your team with high quality production catering…

Our standard menu for a television show production generally includes (with fresh flowers displayed and all plates and silverware provided):

  • Ahi, Salmon, Eel, Crab & Yellow tail Sushi
  • Chinese Chicken Salad
  • Ginger Chicken with Shallots & Cilantro
  • Roast Tri Tip
  • Garlic Mashed Potato with Gravy
  • Fresh Diced Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta
  • Grilled Vegetables
  • Salad Bar with Caesar
  • Fruit Platter
  • Fresh Bread

Dessert

  • Ice Tea
  • Lemonade
  • Water

Of course, our menus can be changed and alternative selections can be made to your liking. All of our food is sourced from the best and freshest suppliers to ensure we provide you with cleaner, healthier food that is simple, fresh and delicious! Perfect to enhance the health of your cast and crew, Dean’s Catering in Los Angeles will provide your production crew with only the best and most delicious foods available.

For more information on our menus, services or to book us for a production, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Keep your team focused with delicious and healthy food from Dean’s Catering!

Ensure you get the most out of your cast and crew with healthy and nutritious foods

At Dean’s Catering in Los Angeles, we are committed to providing our clients with high quality, delicious foods to satisfy their teams. That is why we have compiled the best foods to help your cast and crew stay focused throughout the day!

Natural sugars enhance alertness

Don’t get this confused with white sugar – the silent killer. We are talking glucose, which your body metabolizes from sugars and carbohydrates. A glass of juice or other natural sweet drinks can help boost memory, thinking process and mental ability!

Fish boosts brain function

Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, fish is vital for brain function and development. Higher dietary omega 3 acids are linked to lower dementia and stroke risks; slower mental decline and may enhance memory.

Avocados and whole grains

Consuming a diet high in whole grains and fruits can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and help lower cholesterol levels.

Make sure you are ready for a big day on set!

At Dean’s catering, we understand that film production rosters fluctuate, and to ensure you are ready for your day on set you should:

  • Get a good night’s sleep
  • Stay hydrated
  • Exercise to help sharpen thinking
  • Keep clear-minded and stay relaxed

At Dean’s Catering in Los Angeles, we are dedicated to help your crew and cast stay focused, productive and alert by providing highly nutritious and delicious menus which can be customized to suit your preferences.

Get the most out of your cast and crew with a caterer who knows what they need.

For more information on our services or to book us for a function, event or production, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Brain food – Give your cast and crew healthy food to increase their productivity!

Recent research finds healthy food can increase efficiency!

Our brains are hungry organs craving for nutrients to help it function. The brain’s cells require double the amount of energy than all other cells in the body! To ensure your cast and crew work efficiently throughout the day, keep up their energy levels with healthy and nutritious food.

If their current diets are lacking in many foods that stimulate growth and productivity, your cast and crew can result in being sluggish, tired and even fatigued.

Give them a variation of these 20 foods that have been proven to help productivity:

  1. Avocados – Help keep your team from bloating
  2. Almonds – Fantastic for brainpower and energy
  3. Raisins – Will help boost energy levels
  4. Figs – These will help maintain energy levels throughout the day while keeping appetite at bay
  5. Olives – These will help with symptoms of arthritis and asthma
  6. Walnuts – full of Omega 3 acids to keep your team focused
  7. Carrots – These will help improve eyesight
  8. Strawberries – Full of nutrition, these will help keep your mind switched on
  9. Flaxseeds – These will help your team feel fresh and new even after a long day
  10. Water – This will help keep them hydrated and also speed up metabolism while keeping your team full
  11. Sunflower seeds – A fantastic way to beat fatigue
  12. Papaya – Can help prevent the common cold – keep your team nice and healthy!
  13. Pears – Hypo-allergenic, these are great for boosting the immune system
  14. Green Tea – This is full of antioxidants to boost the immune system
  15. Ginger – Fantastic for treating nausea
  16. Peppermint – Helps to perk up a tired worker
  17. Watermelon – Helps provide energy
  18. Low fat yoghurt – Full of good bacteria to help the mind focus
  19. Dark chocolate – This is good for satisfying the need for sweets and is full of antioxidants
  20. Raspberries – Also full of antioxidants, these are great to keep brain cells healthy

At Dean’s Catering we can provide healthy and delicious food to your cast and crew…

At Dean’s Catering in Los Angeles, our location catering services are unmatched; we source and hand-pick only the best food in terms of quality and taste, and craft menus to provide the best, most nutritious meals for your team.

Give your cast and crew new life with good, healthy and appetizing food so they can work harder and more efficiently for your production.

For more information on our services or to book us to cater for your film production, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Healthiest Food Trends of 2012

At Dean’s Catering located in Los Angeles, we are always on the lookout for exciting and healthy food trends to bring to our location and production catering services

Check out the top five healthy food trends of 2012 we have discovered:

Trend #1: Vegetable Desserts!

Forget sugar laden carrot cake and pumpkin pie, creative chefs are now using vegetables as the staple ingredient in many of their latest desserts. Think cauliflower cheesecake, eggplant and chocolate muffins and black bean brownies! Many vegetables possess sweet and spicy notes, which make them the perfect base for many contemporary desserts.

Trend #2: Flexible Veganism

With obesity being officially named the biggest health threat this century and studies’ finding that adopting a vegan diet is of more benefit to the planet than driving a Prius, many people are becoming “weekday vegetarians” or “flexitarians”. This social trend is for those who mostly eat vegetarian diets but still eat meat from time to time.

Trend #3: Crispy Skinned Meats

Contrary to popular belief, chicken skin may not be as unhealthy as once thought. 50% of the fat in chicken has been found to be heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, and 43% of fat found in pork skin has been found to be unsaturated- with most of it being oleic acid (the same healthy fat found in olive oil). They key with preparing healthy crispy skinned meats is to bake, not deep fry the skins.

Trend #4: Gluten-Free Restaurants

Gluten free food (free of wheat, barley and rye gluten) is one of the fastest expanding sectors of the food industry. This is in part due to the rapid rise in people suffering from celiac disease, and other autoimmune diseases that improve by following a gluten free diet.

Even if you don’t need or want to go 100% gluten-free, consuming the wheat free products in gluten free menu options is a healthy habit to adopt.

Trend #5: Delicious Dishes Made from Trees

Chefs are increasingly using pine needs, eucalyptus leaves and bark to infuse flavour in their dishes. Keep an eye out for meats, vinegars, butters and soups infused with tree bark and leaves. With pine needles containing five times more vitamin C than lemons, and eucalyptus leaves presenting a range of health benefits, it’s high time to start consuming trees for tea!

At Deans Catering located in Los Angeles, we strive to design innovative menus that are healthy, delicious and exciting!

To discover more about our location catering in LA or to secure our services for your next production or event, please contact us.

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Obesity has been named the greatest health threat of this century!

Discover the eight healthy food rules to help improve your overall health and wellbeing…

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, obesity has been named one of the greatest health threats of this century. In response to this they have released the eight basic healthy food rules to improve your health and wellbeing, and at Dean’s Catering in Los Angeles, we have compiled them here for your benefit!

Rule #1: Eat less calories

Most Americans are consuming far more calories than they should be! For most people your daily intake should be around 2,000 to maintain your current weight.

Rule # 2: Food sourced from plants should make up most of your diet

Vegetables, beans, peas, fruits, nuts and seeds should be key staples in your healthy diet.

Rule #3: Consume more fish

Health experts recommend people eat at least two servings of fish per week to increase their omega 3 intake. Fresh seafood is also a great source of lean protein.

Rule #4: Switch to low-fat dairy products

Watch the sugar intake on this one! Choose low or no fat dairy products that are also low in sugar.

Dairy is a great way to boost your intake of calcium and has also found that low fat dairy products can help reduce blood pressure.

Rule #5: Eat moderate amounts of lean meats, poultry and eggs

Eat these healthy sources of protein in moderation; a good general guideline is 3 ounces per portion.

Rule #6: Reduce your intake of added sugars and fats

Eat fewer foods that contain sugars and solids fats- these kinds of processed foods contribute to a high calorie diet whilst providing little if any nutrients.

Rule #7: Minimise your consumption of sodium and refined grains

The consumption of salt, salt laden processed foods and refined grains (white bread, pasta etc.) should be dramatically reduced to achieve optimal health.

Rule # 8: Exercise!

All adults should do at least 2.5 hours of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. Teenagers and children should get at least an hour of physical activity per day.

If you are seeking delicious, exciting catering that is also healthy and full of nutrition, look no further than Dean’s Catering located in Los Angeles

From handpicked organic vegetables to the freshest meats or seafood, everything is done with health and taste in mind. Experience our sophisticated dishes first hand on your next location, production or function.

To discover more about Dean’s Catering located in LA, or to secure our services, please contact us.

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A selection of our clients…