2. COOK AHEAD AND BRING WITH (when you can)

 

     If you are attending a get-together, work function, or social event held outside of a restaurant, such as in a home or outdoors, cook ahead! There is no need to cave in to glutenous treats, mystery meat, or sinful side dishes when you can bring your own! Consider the setting and plan accordingly – if outdoors during the summer, bring something that won’t spoil easily. If inside, will there be a place to reheat if you bring hot food. Usually hosts will be very accommodating to dietary restrictions, but let them know you plan to bring foods that you are comfortable eating.

 

 

3. EAT BEFORE AND SNEAK A SNACK

 

     If there is no way you can eat any of the offerings, either at a restaurant serving only a BEER BATTERED BUFFET or at a social occasion restricted to refined WHITE SUGAR PASTRIES, eat ahead. There is nothing wrong with ordering an iced tea (or glass of wine or cocktail if you partake), and opting out of foods that don’t suit your lifestyle.  Coming with a full tummy will help prevent splurges, but if you still feel tempted, SNEAK IN A SNACK.  Pack something that is within your legal limits and use that as your go-to when faced with temptation.  I do this in the movie theatre, by bringing in a handful of dark chocolate – anything besides the junk behind the counter.  It helps me feel satisfied without succumbing to the trouble that lurks!

 

 

4.  KNOWING WHAT TO ORDER

 

     Just as at home, should you go out to a restaurant, you will want to avoid grain, gluten, dairy, and refined sugar. This becomes a MUCH trickier task when you can’t see the list of ingredients.  The best plan is to order salads (without dressings, croutons, or cheese), grilled meats, and steamed veggies.  The list seems limited, but if you want to ensure success, and also not feeling junky afterwards, it is best to stick to this menu.  Speak with your server about what needs to stay off your plate and enforce that you want salt, pepper, garlic, and basic herbs, but not much else for seasoning.  Typically, unless you are in a sports bar or very limited chain restaurant, waitstaff tend to be accommodating.  I do not ask for anything complicated, which also helps. And I am always very appreciative so they know I am grateful for their efforts.  You catch more flies with honey, especially local, raw honey…am I right?!

 

 

5. RESEARCH

 

     This accompanies #1, MAKE A PLAN. Researching before you find yourself in a predicament will always leave you feeling much more comfortable with what lies ahead.  For instance, if we are dining out with friends, and they INSIST on choosing the restaurant, I am not one to put up a stink. I certainly do not want to be the high maintenance dietary freak show who nobody wants to dine with…so I RESEARCH.  If they suggest a hip new brick oven pizza shop, I go online or call them directly and ask what my options are. Typically even bread and cheese based establishments will have something to nosh on and if not, #3 is always an option.  We once were invited as a (gluten free) family to eat breakfast with out-of-town visitors at a restaurant called “Bread and Chocolate.” I burst into roaring laughter when my husband told me this was where we were going – oh the irony. But I jumped onto the computer, looked at their menu, and realized that there were plenty of safe proteins, fruits, and veggies to dine on without eating straight up gluten and sugar.  It was great for a laugh though!

 

 

I hope these 5 tips have helped you feel less intimidated by staying healthy outside of the home! Case in point, I was on the run with the 3-year-old today running errands and needed to grab a quick bite.  Even in a quick, assembly line, Mexican restaurant I was able to accommodate my needs, pictured below. And i feel a heck of a lot better not eating the nachos, though they were, and always will be, quite the temptation!!