Dining out during your Whole30

Let's be honest - it's probably not realistic to think that anyone is going to cook and eat 3 meals a day for 30 days at home.  We're all social beings and have different events, occasions, trips, and other factors that take us away from home.  Not to mention it's just nice to get out of the house sometimes!  And guess what?  It IS possible to eat out during your Whole30 (click on the link to read what the folks at Whole30 have to say about navigating a restaurant menu).

Familiarizing yourself with the rules of the Whole30 will only help you when it comes to reading menus, asking questions, and knowing what to order.  Here are a few tips:

---When bread or chips are offered before the meal, send it away!  Don't have it on the table to tempt you.  Of course, this changes if you're with others who are eating chips or bread, but have them hold you accountable.  I promise, that restaurant will still be serving chips when your Whole30 is over.

--- Order salads with as many fresh vegetables as you can (no, corn is not a vegetable, and neither are beans), ask for olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dressing (vinaigrette is NOT okay - loaded with sugar).

---Pick a protein - chicken, steak, pork, fish, beef, etc.  Ask how it is prepared, if there is any marinade or seasoning, and whether or not it contains sugar or butter.  Always request that your meat and vegetables are prepared with NO butter.  They may look at you a little weird, but it can be prepared this way.  If you're ever hesitant, feel free to let them know you have a dairy allergy ; )

--- Load up on veggies!  Ask for them steamed with no butter and get as many as you can

--- Extras - salsa, avocado, pico, and guacamole are great to add to most meals.  Also, order a sweet potato with cinnamon on top whenever you have the chance.

Some of my favorite things to order at different restaurants:

Outback (or any other steakhouse) - Grilled chicken, fish, or steak (with no butter), steamed broccoli or other vegetables, sweet potato with cinnamon.  Also, the crab and avocado stack appetizer with no chips or sauce is great!

George's (American food) - burger with no bun (with no butter) loaded up with veggies, I love to add a fried egg on top as well as guacamole or avocado.  Steamed veggies or broccoli on the side.  They also have several fish options with a fresh mango salsa.

Mexican food - Chicken, pork, beef, shrimp fajitas loaded up with as many vegetables as they offer (carrots, squash, bell pepper, zucchini, onion, mushroom, etc.) made with no butter.  Always ask for extra guacamole and salsa/pico since you'll be skipping the beans and rice.

Breakfast - Omelets are always great (without cheese), loaded up with whatever veggies appeal to you. Again, just ask that they are cooked with olive oil instead of butter.

Other - get creative and think about how anything that is served between a sandwich goes great over a salad or grilled vegetables.  Many higher-end restaurants will also let you order "off the menu," so there's an opportunity to get creative there too.  If water is getting a little too boring for you, opt for a club soda with a lime or other fresh fruit.

Bottom line - always be prepared!  Read menus ahead of time, go with others who know about your Whole30, have several options in mind, and ask questions!  Remember, food is something to enjoy and to nourish your body, not something to inhibit you from social activity and place unreasonable restrictions on you.  Get out there and enjoy!



Day 9 Food Log:

Wake up/pre camp - shredded turkey meat, nuts

Meal 1 - turkey egg casserole, sweet potato fries

Meal 2 - deconstructed burger over lettuce with sun dried tomatoes, avocado, and salsa, green beans and carrots

Meal 3 - dinner at Outback - crab and avocado stack (no chips, no dressing), large dinner salad with no cheese or croutons (olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dressing), grilled salmon, steamed broccoli, and sweet potato with cinnamon

WATER ALL DAY!  Club Soda at the restaurant



Day 10 Food Log:

Wake up/pre workout - shredded turkey meat, apples, almond butter

Post-workout/Meal 1 - mini egg pizza, chicken/spinach/tomato and egg casserole

Meal 2 - spinach salad tossed with diced strawberries, chopped walnuts and balsamic vinegar; vegetable soup with shredded chicken; chili 

Meal 3 - grilled pork tenderloin, comfort noodles, creamy tomato soup

WATER ALL DAY!