7 Ways To Fake It At A Restaurant When You’re Paleo | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

7 Ways To Fake It At A Restaurant When You’re Paleo

Gluten, soy, dairy and sugar on the side, please.

30
7 Ways To Fake It At A Restaurant When You’re Paleo
Inmotion Life

I hush my voice as the waiter makes his way to my side of the table, hoping none of my friends hear the ridiculous order: “No cheese, no croutons, dressing on the side, please. Also, may I have the chicken sautéed in a separate pan with no olive oil?” The response is a blank stare from an overwhelmed and sometimes offended waiter. “OK, so basically a salad without the good stuff, right?” Rude. But not entirely unjustified. Nobody wants to be THAT girl. But after “going paleo” last year, I’ve discovered dining out can be a minefield of surprise ingredients and uncomfortable moments.

You’ve placed a high-maintenance order. You cross your fingers the chef is not too annoyed by your very specific guidelines to follow through with integrity. You take those first bites with just a bit of suspicion. And, truth be told, you resent your roommates’ carefree quesadilla order just a little.

But the restaurant experience can be enjoyed by all. Following are a few simple guidelines to help anyone with special dietary restrictions, whether you are allergic, vegetarian, vegan, or simply a health nut.

1.Choose the restaurant yourself

This guarantees you’ll be able to order something off the menu. You know what you can and cannot eat, so pick a restaurant with good options for you as well as your friends.

2. Do a little homework

Look up the menu ahead of time and decide what you’re going to order. Anticipate any necessary substitutions, so you won’t have to spend any time dissecting the menu when you get there.

3. Don't be afraid to get a little picky

You’re paying for your food, so don’t hesitate to be a little particular. It doesn’t hurt to throw in the word “allergy,” whether or not it’s the whole truth. Waiters don’t take chances with the “A” word.

4. Make it “protein style”

Ordering off the burger and sandwich menu opens up a world of options when you’re eating out. Request your order come wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun and without any condiments. This goes for tacos, too. Most restaurants will agree to prepare your tacos lettuce-wrap style. If you really want to fly under the radar, consider dealing with the bun or tortilla yourself once your meal arrives.

5. Ask for dressing on the side

Always. You never know what they put in there without a fairly aggressive line of questioning that often doesn't result in an adequate answer. And nothing ruins a perfectly good salad more than a dose of mystery dressing.

6. Eat before you get to the restaurant:

If a restaurant just won’t be compatible with your diet, eat a light meal with protein before going out. This will curb your hunger, so you can be satisfied with a side salad or small appetizer.

7. Keep it light.

No one wants to hear your philosophy about GMOs while they twirl fettuccine onto a fork. Laugh at yourself before they do. You are “that girl,” but you do still have a sense of humor. Dining out is meant to be a treat. Take some precautions, make some smart choices, and expect to eat well. Then just relax… it’s only dinner.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190507
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15064
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457981
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26701
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments