Going out to eat at a restaurant might feel like too much work when you’re dairy-free, gluten-free and/or sugar-free…
But, it doesn’t have to be a struggle every single time! Having dietary requirements such as these simply means that eating out requires a little more forethought than just picking any old restaurant, but it’s worth it in order to enjoy a meal out every now and then.
Plus, thanks to an increased awareness when it comes to these dietary requirements, there are now loads of restaurants which cater more broadly for these needs!
Next time you’re eating out, keep these tips in mind…
1. Do your research.
Rocking up to a restaurant and expecting that they will have healthy options that are gluten, dairy and sugar-free isn’t realistic. When you have a number of food-related requirements, it’s super important to do your research to see which eatery best caters for your needs – some restaurants now even build their menus around dishes free of these things.
In the instance that you have zero say in where you’re going out to eat – i.e. a friend’s birthday dinner – try to have a look at the menu online ahead of time. This way, at least you’ll be able to scope out your options and set your expectations instead of being blindsided.
2. Order a bunch of sides instead of a full meal.
Sometimes certain cafes and restaurants just won’t have something specifically designed for those with food sensitivities but there are ways to work around this. In this case, it’s best to order off the sides menu. Can’t have anything on the brekkie menu? No worries! Simply order poached/scrambled/fried eggs off the sides menu and load up on extra mushrooms, spinach and avocado. Most cafes will be totally fine with doing this, so you can literally build your bowl to suit you!
3. Politely ask your waiter if it’s possible to make certain dishes “insert dietary requirement here”-free.
Many restaurants now include disclaimers on their menus that say “gluten-free options available”. If this is the case, make sure to ask your waiter what options are available or enquire to see if any of the dishes can be made gluten, dairy or sugar-free. While they might not always be able to help you, it doesn’t hurt to ask!
4. Don’t be afraid to ask how the dish is cooked or exactly what is in it.
Knowing what you’re eating is not only key for staying healthy, but it’s also important to know that you’re not accidentally consuming something that could cause an allergic reaction! So, even if a certain dish seems to be free of allergens, it’s always best to ask exactly what is in the dish or how it’s cooked. There’s nothing worse than ordering a salad that is drowning in a gloopy, dairy-filled sugary sauce that wasn’t listed on the menu.
5. When in doubt, keep your order super simple.
If all else fails, just keep your dish simple. You can never go wrong with grilled meat or fish with steamed or roasted veggies (sans any sugary sauces or dressings) and this way, you know exactly what is in the food you’re eating.
Do you have any tips for navigating eating out with dietary requirements?
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