Eating out

So, you’ve been invited out for dinner at a restaurant. But you know that nothing on the menu is likely to fit your new way of eating. Many thoughts enter your head and you’re not sure if you’re even going to go. However, remember what we have discussed before – everything in moderation.

Firstly, you need to decide how you will tackle this event. Option one is to just throw caution to the wind, have a pizza and a glass of wine and enjoy yourself! Make the decision and commit to it. Don’t feel guilty for it before or during the meal, don’t feel guilty the next day. Just be happy in your own mind that you made a conscious decision that day and stuck to it. Sometimes, that can be just as satisfying as the pizza itself! And the same is true for the reverse – sometimes the mental stress that you put yourself under for eating a specific food is actually more damaging than eating it in the first place!

Trust us, if you have a little of what you love on occasions, it most likely will NOT derail your goals. It will only spur you on to stay on track, because you will not feel deprived and resentful to the lifestyle you are heading towards. This is the real key to true balance.

If you have chosen option one, you can put this post down for a little while, until you come to the decision again next time! If you’re not so keen on option one, continue reading…

We know that sometimes it is a little more complicated. You may have reasons that exceed beyond choosing the ‘healthy’ or ‘unhealthy’ choices on a menu. We understand that for some people, eating foods which cause flare ups in symptoms can have a huge impact on their life. So option two is about eating out and choosing what to order when trying to stay on track.

Nowadays restaurants are making it easier and easier to eat out with a wider variety of food. Many restaurants will accommodate to most allergies or intolerances and some even have separate allergy menus. However, we do understand that sometimes it’s a case of ‘the best of a bad bunch’ selection.  Luckily, there are more new restaurants opening that have gluten free, dairy free or vegan options.

Firstly, don’t be afraid to be THAT person. Asking the chef to make up a dish from scratch or changing a dish already on the menu shouldn’t be ’embarrassing’ or ‘difficult’. If that’s how you’re feeling it’s important to address why. If it’s about inconveniencing the chef, most of the time they are happy to help.

If you’re worried about what your friends or family members will think, consider explaining the reasons behind your new eating habits. They may surprise you and rather than judge you, they may find it interesting, want to support you and perhaps even join you! Making sure you are clued up on all the relevant information can help others to understand and appreciate, which in turn will put you at ease a bit more whilst dining out.

Secondly, try to help yourself wherever possible. If you’re avoiding gluten, a pizzeria isn’t the best place to be going, unless it also serves meat and fish or a salad. However, we appreciate that sometimes location is not your choice, so it’s a case of being smart about your order. We recommend ordering a few side dishes that appeal to you (and try not to be tempted by the desserts!).
Just keep in mind that if you go out for dinner once in a week, that is actually only 5% of your weekly meals. So, next time you’re invited out, no need to worry – remember you have options. Try option one – we dare you!