Today I got an email with the question: How do you handle eating out or eating at other peoples’ homes?
I’ll start by saying that we don’t eat out very much at all. One reason for this is obviously that our dietary needs make eating out a bit more tricky. But also, now that we are eating more quality foods at home, our food budget has increased quite a bit. After buying groceries, eating out usually just isn’t in the budget. One other thing (and I am only speaking for myself on this one) is that I have noticed that I just don’t feel well after eating out. Not all the time, but a lot of the time. The same thing happens to me sometimes when I try to take a shortcut in prepping my food by using certain pre-packaged/pre-made items. I think it has to do with preservatives or MSG or something like that. For instance, my aunt kept our kids one night a few weeks ago, and Jason and I decided to treat ourselves by getting takeout from Carrabba’s. I got my very favorite dish–Pollo Rosa Maria, and it didn’t taste as good as I remembered it. And the next day I felt sluggish and blah, and I didn’t want my leftovers. So for me, I would normally opt to eat at home and feel better.
But alas, as much as I love life in our little food bubble at home, sometimes you’ve gotta get out. Case in point–tonight my boys’ school is having “Spirit Night” at Chik-Fil-A. Yet another one of those “special occasions“. Even better, (note my sarcasm here) the class with the highest attendance wins an ice cream party. Hurrah. This is where families from the school go eat dinner at Chik Fil A, and CFA donates a portion of the sales to the school’s PTO. Frankly, I’d just as soon write a check to the PTO and stay home in my jammies, but I’m just anti-social like that. My kids were PUMPED about this. It really is a novelty for a kindergartner to see their teacher out in public, and away from school. Last time, Luigi asked his teacher how she got there, and then spent the rest of the night marveling that she drove a car!! And I have to admit that I enjoy seeing them with their friends.
So we talked about it as a family last night, and I asked them how they wanted to handle the food situation. I like to give the boys as much control over their food as possible. We also employ “compromises” a lot, which they are very open to. Mario immediately told me he wanted me to pack him a dinner, and Luigi immediately told me he wanted to eat at Chik Fil A. I was fine with both of these decisions, as Mario is more prone to stomach upset, and Chik Fil A–while not a “healthy” restaurant by any means–does offer a good variety of choices for people with dietary issues. So I sent this dinner for Mario: leftover roast chicken, veggies, and cheese.
I told him he could order a cup of fruit at CFA for dessert, which he was thrilled with. Luigi had grilled chicken nuggets, a fruit cup and 100% juice. I can live with that.
As far as eating out in other situations, we research restaurants well in advance. Most of the time I end up ordering for the kids from the adult menu, because there are more healthy choices available there. Grilled shrimp is always a hit with both boys, so sometimes I will let them split an adult sized entree. One national chain that we have had great luck at is PF Changs–this chain is very diligent about offering gluten-free items. Yes–the tamari sauce they use is soy-based, but for one meal, I don’t sweat it. Our boys went bananas over the lettuce wraps there and for Mario, they prepared a shrimp, chicken, and veggie dish with no sauce that he devoured. Ruby Tuesday is another restaurant that seems to be going above and beyond to offer healthier choices. You can get their pasta dishes prepared with spaghetti squash now. They have a grilled chicken on their kids menu and I asked if they could grill shrimp instead of fry it for Mario, and they did it. The kids’ side dishes include apples and grapes, which I think is perfect!
When we travel, I spend more time researching local restaurants than looking at hotels! We always opt for a hotel room with a refrigerator. I pack breakfast and lunch options and snacks. If you are traveling and you need ideas, the internet is obviously your friend, but I tend to crowdsource questions as well. Put it out there on Facebook where you are traveling and ask like-minded friends for restaurant ideas. It was through internet searching that I found this amazing restaurant in Chattanooga and this one in Nashville. Being able to find a nice restaurant that meets all of our needs and that the whole family enjoys usually ends up being the highlight of my trip!
As far as eating when you are at friends’ houses…..this one can be tricky if you let it. I suppose it all depends on the situation. First of all, I try to surround myself with like-minded people. No, all of my friends are not hard-core grain-free, but for the most part they care about what they eat. And they also understand the journey that we are on. I find that when explaining your situation to friends, your tone can make all the difference. I always explain that we eat this way because it is the way we feel the best. These are some decisions that we had to make for us–I never present my ideas in a way that make it seem as if I am judging what other people are eating. Some ideas for eating in groups–Bring food!! What host doesn’t appreciate help with the food? You don’t have to point out that what you are making is special-diet related. Make something delicious that your family can eat, and it will stand on its own! If you are going to a potluck, offer to bring one of the bigger, main dishes so that you know you will have something to eat. If your host asks you in advance for ideas of things they can make that will work with your diet, do not be shy! Tell them–they are asking because they want to be a good host and have food for you. Give them simple options (for instance, I would probably say–any kind of meat seasoned with dry spices would be great! Could I bring a side dish or dessert?). I go to a weekly bible study and at first, I was self-conscious. I didn’t want anyone to think that I was turning my nose up at their food, so I always ate before hand and just had water or coffee while I was there. Now, I sometimes bring myself a little muffin to eat and everyone understands. I always take my own snacks for my kids when we go places. but that isn’t so uncommon. I have resigned myself to baking and having food for every occasion imaginable. You can’t expect other people to always cater to your needs, so be cheerful and ready to fend for yourself at times!
I hope this helps anyone who is planning on making a dietary change. If you have any other questions, please ask away–it’s fun hearing your questions! I would also love to hear about any restaurants you know of that do a great job of helping out the food-challenged among us!
My Delicious Life 