Eating Out

Eating out can be a challenge, especially if you are someone like me. Food is not always easy to come by when you have allergies and intolerances. Whether you are going to the bar with friends, having a dinner with coworkers, or going on a date, eating out can be both pleasurable (for you and your body) and stress free! The last thing you want to worry about when you are planning a night out is what you are going to eat.

It is always good to have an idea about food items you could eat and enjoy when going out. Most restaurants are flexible- and in most cases dishes can be customized to fit your health needs. If you have a question about ingredients or whether or not you can modify a meal, just ask! Salads are almost always an option, and don't forget about sides. When I am planning on eating out, here are a few of the things that I do-

Call Ahead

When I go out to eat, I almost always look up the menu prior to arriving. Looking up the menu gives me an idea of what is offered and what I might be able to eat and/or customize to meet my health needs. Sometimes I will even call ahead and make sure that the place we are going to can accommodate my needs and/or modify an entree item to meet my health needs. Talking on the phone can also help to minimize the stress, anxiety, and awkwardness that comes with having food allergies and eating out.

Dissecting the menu

Menus not only give you insight into what restaurants serve, but they also give you a look at all the foods they have in their kitchen. Feel free to dissect the menu. By doing this, you can explore the food items restaurants offers. Below you will see a menu from one of my favorite "hold in the wall"places in Portland, OR- Jam on Hawthorn. [1]

Take a look at the MC Wrap (last option located in the bottom right hand corner). While I can have garlic, bell peppers, mushrooms, fresh spinach, and hash-browns, I avoid beans and onions. If I were to go to brunch here, I could ask the waiter if I could get the MC Wrap (minus the beans and onions). I could also evaluate some other menu options to see if I could combine a couple of the items to make a meal customized to my health needs. We already know that they sell eggs, as well as jalapeno and avocado. I could get scrambled eggs with some bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and avocado. If restaurants have the food and ingredients, most of the time they are flexible on how those foods and ingredients get combined, cooked, and served. Almost every time I eat out, I customize my meals to meet my needs. Ordering a salad is another option when eating out. Almost all restaurants offer salads, and almost all salads can be easily customized to meet your needs! Ordering a side can also be done. Lots of dishes come with sides or appetizers that can often be ordered on their own.

Don't be afraid to ask

When eating out, never be afraid to ask questions. Occasionally I will find menu options that I think will work for me, but am often curious about what type of oil they use to cook and whether or not their meat is grass fed, or if their salmon is wild caught or farm-raised. Most of the time restaurants are knowledgeable and are gladly able to answer my questions.

Bring your own

I know most restaurants say "no outside food," but sometimes it can be beneficial to bring your own meals. If you are planning on bringing your own meal, you might want to see about getting a table outside. If you can, order a drink or a small salad to supplement your meal to support the restaurant. Don't forget that it never hurts to ask if you are weary about brining your own food!

Having food allergies and intolerances, or following a restricted diet can be stressful- but do not let it rob you of the joy that comes from eating out. Dissecting the menu, asking questions, bringing your own food, and if all else fails- keeping snacks on hand or eating prior can help keep you attending social gatherings over food while meeting your health needs.

References

[1] http://dineries.com/or/portland/jam-on-hawthorne/2229-se-hawthorne-blvd