Eating out at restaurants can be a nice change of pace from cooking at home. However, after being diagnosed with gastritis, going to a restaurant causes me anxiety.
At this point, my diet is restrictive enough that I have been trying to figure out how to be excited about going out to eat again.
Before Eating Out
The first thing I try to do is mentally prepare before I get there. I know it sounds simple, but I must stick with this diet and not order something I should be eating.
This diet is so bland. Eating out allowed me to order whatever I wanted when I was younger. At this time in my life, that is not the case. I know that I need to keep up with my restrictions to keep healing.
At the Restaurant
Once I am at the restaurant, I skim the menu. I know, that will get my mouth watering. Have you noticed that every menu is formatted different? When I scan the menu, I look for specific sections.
I look for salads, seafood, chicken, vegetarian, and pasta (if they have it). Focusing on the main components I can eat won’t let me gravitate toward something I shouldn’t.
The blander the dish is, the safer it is. Chicken is a good option for me. Vegetarian dishes work; I would be careful with spices if that is something that triggers you.
Pasta is my go-to. Always. I am Italian, and I can’t help it. I know I can always ask for no tomato sauce, but there are plenty of other types of sauces that I can enjoy.
Seafood is another winner for me is salmon with some steamed vegetables and rice. It is challenging to avoid garlic and onions altogether.
If I am having a bad flare-up where I absolutely can’t stand the thought of a bit of garlic or onion, I will choose a salad. Some people cannot do raw vegetables, but I don’t seem to have an issue with them.
Salads are easy to avoid things even if they are included. You can pick whatever dressing you feel works best for you.
You know best what works for you. Just go into the restaurant with the correct mindset. Don’t be afraid to ask what kind of accommodations they can make.
Follow my journey on social media if you would like.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. I am under treatment for gastritis by a physician. Please listen to what your physician advises you to do. I am writing about what works for me. Everyone is different.