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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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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When it comes to fuelling a happy productive crew, cast and staff on location, ditch the junk food and go with the healthy, tasty options available at Dean’s Catering located in Los Angeles

A recent study has found that a poor diet can affect more than your waistline and physical health, it can actually increase your risk of depression! The British study found that people who consumed a diet high in processed meat, desserts, fried food, refined cereals and high fat dairy products were much more likely to experience symptoms of depression. On the flipside, the study revealed that those who ate a diet full of fruits, vegies and lean meats were far less likely to report being depressed.

An American study has also found a link between an unhealthy diet and depression

People who regularly eat processed foods such as doughnuts, pastries and fast food were far more likely to:

• Lead a sedentary lifestyle
• Smoke cigarettes
• Consume Alcohol
• Eat other nutritionally lacking foods
• Work more than 45 hours a week

Most frighteningly the study revealed that those who follow an unhealthy diet are 51% more likely to develop depression compared with those who eat a healthy diet.

Recent research has also revealed that there may be a link between consuming trans fats and being irritable and aggressive! Who needs that on set?!

At Dean’s Catering located in Los Angeles, our tasty menu options support a healthy, nutritious diet

From fresh seafood and lean proteins to plenty of locally sourced fruits and vegetables, a catering solution from Dean’s Catering in Los Angeles is sure to have your production team performing well and feeling happy.

To find out more about our deliciously nutritious menu options, or to secure our services, please contact us.

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When it comes to location catering, the fresh, nutritious California style menu that Dean’s Catering provides may be the perfect solution for your Los Angeles production

Californian style food is all about enjoying food that is simply prepared to respect the quality of the seasonal local produce. These disease fighting, low calorie and nutrient-rich fresh fruits and vegetables are incredibly healthy and a great way to fuel your cast, crew and staff on location.

At Dean’s Catering we also gain inspiration from the healthiest cuisines around the globe when creating our tasty, fresh menus:

• Mediterranean cuisine

Traditional Greek foods like leafy green vegetables, fresh fruit, lentils, fish and olive oil deliver lots of nutrients that can cut your risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other diet related diseases. A study has recently revealed that eating a traditional Mediterranean style diet has been linked with a 25% reduced risk of death from heart disease and cancer. This type of cuisine is rich in healthy fats, and has also been shown to help people lose more weight than a traditional low-fat diet.

• Vietnamese

Vietnamese food is typically prepared in a very healthy way, with lots of water or broth based cooking styles. The fresh herbs, vegetables and seafood pack a healthy nutrient punch, and the traditional Vietnamese flavorings (cilantro, mint, basil, star anise and red chili) have been shown to aid digestion and reduce inflammation.

• Japanese

Traditional Japanese cuisine is incredibly healthy, and this is supported by the population of the island of Okinawa where people often live to over 100 years old. The secret to their healthy diet is a diet rich in fruit and vegetables that are prepared by light steaming or stir-frying, and not overeating. Key healthy foods to look out for in Japanese cuisine include yams, green tea, bok choy, seaweed, seafood, shitake mushrooms and unprocessed soy foods (tofu, edamame beans and tempeh).

• Indian

Forget the fat laden creamy curries and the deep fried curry puffs, traditional Indian cuisine is packed full of healthy spices including turmeric, ginger, chili and garam masala which are healthy flavors that can actually protect against some cancers and Alzheimer’s disease! Yogurt and lentils are also great staples in a traditional Indian diet.

• Spanish

The Spanish tradition of eating tapas (think small plates of food eaten over a long period of time) includes heaps of healthy options including fresh seafood, vegetables and olive oil.

Experience healthy fresh Californian produce prepared with inspiration from around the globe at Dean’s Catering located in Los Angeles

At Dean’s Catering in Los Angeles, we source the freshest produce in California and gain inspiration from the tastiest and healthiest cuisine in the world to provide you with fresh, delicious fuel for your cast, crew and staff on set.

Discover more about our catering services and tasty, sophisticated menu options by contacting us today!

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Choose a catering service that provides nutritious, fresh and delicious menu options

Craft service is often blamed for celebrity weight gain, but with the healthy options at Dean’s Catering located in Los Angeles, you can forgo the snack table and enjoy healthy, tasty fresh meals to help support a busy filming schedule.

High protein, fresh, nutritious meals are particularly important when supporting actors have dramatically transformed their physiques for movie roles

Bulking up or gaining lean muscle mass is sometimes necessary for actors portraying certain characters in movie roles. Without the help of a diet full of lean protein, vegetables and fresh fruit, these actors would never have been able to maintain their fit physiques on set:

Most recently actor Tom Hardy bulked up big time for his role in the latest instalment of the Batman movies- The Dark Knight Rises. The lead actor in these movies Christian Bale undertook a dramatic transformation of his own for Batman Begins.

Ryan Reynolds went from sitcom star to Hollywood Heartthrob by getting ripped to perform in Blade Trinity, whilst Will Smith went from goofy rapper to elite athlete to portray boxer Mohammad Ali in the acclaimed movie Ali.

Gerard Butler is another actor who gained muscle mass to play a Spartan King in the historical/fantasy movie 300, whilst Taylor Lautner also built incredible muscle mass onto his frame to play a werewolf for the Twilight trilogy.

Experience healthy, sophisticated and delicious catering options at Dean’s Catering located in Los Angeles

We believe that healthy food should be tasty food and source the finest quality produce to create dishes that enhance and respect the integrity of their natural flavors. Our dishes are the perfect fuel to keep your cast and crew fit and well fed!

To discover more about the delicious menu options and catering services we offer at Dean’s Catering located in Los Angeles, please contact us.

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When it comes to movie sets in Los Angeles, location catering must support the dietary requirements of all involved!

Many leading ladies have transformed their bodies to become lean super heroes, and when it comes fuelling their fit bodies during filming, a fresh, healthy high protein option like those provided by Dean’s Catering in Los Angeles is one of the best options out there.

No longer solely the domain of male actors, female superheroes have been gracing our screens on an increasingly regular basis

Most recently actress Anne Hathaway slimed down and toned up her curvaceous figure to play Catwoman in the latest Batman movie. Slipping into a skin tight body suit is that much easier when you are supported by fresh, organic and healthy location catering on set!

Scarlett Johannson is another actress who got fit to play butt kicking Russian Spy Black Widow in the block buster hit The Avengers. Much like Catwoman, Scarlett’s character wore a black body suit when she helped save the world from alien invasion.

Angelina Jolie and Kate Beckinsale are other Hollywood starlets who have played fit female figures in the movie roles Tomb Raider and Underworld respectfully.

At Dean’s Catering we can provide healthy, delicious catering options to help you get the most out of your days on set

Our menus contain plenty of lean protein, fresh fish, vegies and organic produce to create delicious dishes that support a healthy, active diet, without sacrificing on taste, style or sophistication.

To find out more about our location catering services, please contact us.

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