8 Tips to Make Eating out Easier with IBD
Eating out is an important aspect of our social life - whether it be celebrating a new job, a birthday or grabbing lunch with a colleague. However, this can be anxiety provoking for some of us with IBD if we are in a flare or avoiding certain foods. Being anxious about a situation can trigger symptoms so getting prepared before hand and having some coping strategies can help us;
Have an input in where you go – this may not always be possible but it can be helpful to be involved in the decision making of where you are going so you can choose somewhere you know has food you can tolerate.
Look at the menu beforehand - if you know where you are going, look up the menu online to scan options for plates that will suit you. Do not be afraid to call the restaurant and ask questions if the information you want is not online - this way you can narrow down your options and ensure you know what you can eat before you go. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable when you arrive.
Be a regular - don’t be afraid of going back to a restaurant that you have enjoyed eating at and feel comfortable in. Some restaurants may show you their appreciation for being a loyal customer - like a discount, loyalty card or special dishes.
Talk to the waiter - special requests are more common than you think. Servers, waiters, and chefs often alter dishes to meet the customer’s wants and needs. The waiter can help you better understand how foods are prepared and what ingredients are in dishes, helping you decide if they are safe for you. Ask them to swap out ingredients for others if there is an ingredient you know doesn’t work well for you.
Choose a smaller dish if the portion sizes feel overwhelming - restaurant portions are often relatively large, which can feel overwhelming especially if we don’t have much of an appetite or when we are feeling unwell. Choosing a starter and a side, a small main or a main off the kids menu can be helpful ways to enjoy dishes that feel more manageable. This could also include some tapas, appetizers, or small plates. Perhaps even split a meal with a friend or save half for later (ask for a takeaway bag so you can take leftovers home!).
Explore different cuisines- some cuisines may be better tolerated than others. For example, excessively spicy foods or lots of fried foods may not be the best options but you may find Japanese foods like miso soup, sticky rice, and Mediterranean cuisines could be good choices.
Choose a dish you’ll really enjoy – many of us don’t eat out very often so when we do its for a special occasion so pick something you really like the look of and enjoy every mouthful.
Get help and support from a specialist IBD nutritionist or dietitian (like us!) who can help you expand the food you are eating and help remove food fear so you don’t have to be anxious about going out anymore!
If you want support with your diet, nutrition and IBD journey we can help.
At The NALM Clinic we have an IBD specialist Nutritional Therapist (Clemmie) and specialist gastroenterology Dietician (Jess) and and we are here to support you. We both have IBD too so we ‘get it’ and are so passionate about helping others.
If you would like support with your IBD please book a call with me via the button below.
Disclaimer: All content found on the nalmclinic.com website, including: text, video, or other formats have been created for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor, consultant or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
We are all wonderfully unique and what works for one person may not work for another so please seek help and advice before changing your diet to work out the right way forward for you.