Whole30 Eating Out Tips - Meredith Rines

I really enjoy eating out. J and I can get out of the house for a little bit, have a date night, and just be around people. So when we go and I order food knowing that it’s not prepared correctly and knowing it’s not the best choice of meat then it makes it less fun. Plus… I can’t stand to look at the bread the next table is eating or having to say no cheese on my salad. Cheese is so tasty.

Maybe in bigger cities there are more options for places that actually have organic foods on the menu, but in my small town, we don’t have that luck.

I kept seeing people talk about Chipotle has compliant meals you can order to give yourself a break from cooking… that’d be nice, but there is one problem. The closest Chipotle is 112 miles away in Memphis, TN. The next closest is in St. Louis. Bummer!

I’ve come up with a few tips that could really help someone like me when they’re first starting Whole30 on how to eat out.

Whole30 Eating Out Tips

1) Ask the server how it’s prepared. Is it cooked in olive oil (good!) or another type of oil that isn’t Whole30 approved? Did you know most steaks are cooked with butter in restaurants, which is not Whole30 compliant (unless it’s clarified butter and no restaurant near me is doing that)? How is the chicken prepared – in a marinade made with soy sauce and sugar?

You are paying for a service – it’s okay to ask these questions. If the server doesn’t know then ask all your questions and make them go find out. It won’t hurt them to be a little more knowledgeable about their employer (not like ewww they don’t serve the right kind of oil, but so they can tell the next person without any hesitation).

2) Just say no to bread. That’s the easiest thing to do, but if you’re like me then the people you’re eating with want the bread. I’m not tempted by the bread basket being there as long as it’s not sitting directly in front of me. But if you are then have the wait staff only bring enough pieces so everyone with you can take one then if they want more just have them ask for the another ONE, not a whole basket.

3) It’s okay to make modifications. Ask for no cheese, no butter or the sauce on the side. Most kitchens will be happy to make adjustments for you.

Remember YOU ARE PAYING. So it’s okay to ask questions, make changes to the menu and know how you’re food is prepared.

Want to know something? It’s okay to send back an order if it’s done wrong. YOU ARE PAYING. I feel like I’m screaming that at you, but it’s the truth. If you have asked for no cheese or no sauce and it comes out covered, then send it back. You can be nice about it, but still do it.