While one of my favorite things about going paleo has been my adventures in the kitchen, sometimes you just want to go out for a bite to eat. Unfortunately dining out can pose a whole new set of challenges for paleo eaters. That’s because finding something paleo friendly to eat can make a fun night out more stressful than it should ever be. Below I’ve compiled a few tips for dining out and successfully navigating the menu.
- Check it out. First and foremost decide where you are going in advance. Whether its a birthday dinner with your friends or an impromptu date night, picking the restaurant in advance will allow you time to check out the menu before you get to their. I think this is one of the most important tips to remember because if there is nothing (or very little) paleo friendly food on the menu you can decline the invitation or be sure to eat before you get there.
- Say no. To bread and dessert that it. Don’t even tempt yourself by allowing the waiter to bring bread to the table. Politely tell the waiter that you don’t need it. I also like to do the same thing when the waiter asks you if you’d like to see a dessert menu because once I see that three layer chocolate mouse cake I know I won’t be able to get it off my mind.
- Make it meat. I find that the best places to eat out while following a paleo lifestyle tend to be steak houses. As a cave girl who loves her steak but rarely cooks it at home, I find going to a steak house to be an extra special treat. Plus whether it’s a chain like Longhorn Steakhouse or a Boston favorite like Smith and Wollensky, you are pretty much guaranteed paleo friendly sides like seasonal vegetables and baked sweet potatoes. Even if you’re not at a steak house, look for the meat and fish entrees since they are usually the easiest to make paleo friendly.
- Steamed please. While I love roasting and grilling my vegetables at home, I often asked for steamed vegetables when I am out to eat. This allows me to be sure that no extra butter, oils or other non-paleo foods where used when preparing my veggies.
- Go Bun-less. Ordering a burger without a bun is often my go to meal when we are out to eat. Top it off with your favorite toppings (I like to add a BLT- bacon, lettuce and tomato) and I promise you won’t even miss the bun! You can often also do this with breaded dishes like chicken parmesan, just ask for no breading or cheese!
- Make a sub. Why not ask to sub that side of toast for a fruit cup or extra side of bacon. Most restaurants are very accommodating to people with food intolerances or allergies, so don’t be afraid to ask for what you want even if it’s not on the menu.
Most important, remember to have a good time. Dinning out is more about having a good time with the people you’re with anyway. So sit back, relax and enjoy!
Photo courtesy of Alexa Wenning