Today, I want to talk to you about something that impacts my life on the daily — dining out with family and friends. This article is for those of you who have food allergies and intolerances, and those who don’t. Read on!
Now, if you’re one of the many people who has a food allergy or intolerance (peanuts, dairy, gluten, strawberries, you name it), you may remember a time when you were dining out with a friend or family member and you had to explain why you couldn’t eat a particular item… And maybe the response was positive and supportive! But, maybe it wasn’t.
Or maybe you don’t have a food allergy or intolerance, but you made a meal for an individual only to find out that they couldn’t even eat the food. Bummer! If only you had known you would have tried to make something for them!
This blog is to help everyone figure out how to navigate this common problem much more easily!
In today’s day and age, we all know someone who either has a lifestyle preference in relation to food, a food allergy, a sickness or a disease. So, how do we get by when almost all social activities revolve around food?
To those of you who have modified or specific diets, don’t be afraid to speak up. But I get it… It’s easier said than done. I’ve been there — I’ve gotten the “oh, you’re just doing this to lose weight, aren’t you,” the unsupportive “it’s probably in your head,” or even the “well, one bite isn’t going to kill you!” What you need to remember is that some people may not understand because they do not have the same physical reactions. This is where I have learned that by kindly explaining why you can’t eat something make a BIG difference. Now I am not telling you to shout it from the roof tops, but if you just let the people know that you are close with such as friends, family and coworkers that you eat lunches with it helps a lot!
Whenever I let someone new know about my food allergies, I immediately follow it up by letting them know that those foods I’m giving up just aren’t worth the discomfort, feelings, or pain I feel after, but that I still miss some of my old favorites like donuts and ice cream. I then say “If I could still eat it, I would.” Personally, I think this better helps the person you are talking with to not feel like you are judging them for their food choices either.
*Side note: There are two things most people without food reactions do not want to hear ever! #1: The Snooty, “I can’t eat that!” #2: The gory details of your intolerances. (Trust me! Not Cool!)
3 Tips For Social Dining When You Have Food Restrictions:
1. Offer to bring a dish large enough for everyone that is modified to your diet.
2. Give suggestions as to where you can all go out to eat.
3. Host dinners at your house.
For those of you who are lucky enough to have no specific diet, I am jealous! But, if you’re on the receiving end of someone telling you about their diet restriction, please try to be supportive and respectful. Focus on what they can have and if you don’t understand something please ask. Really! We don’t mind! The last thing to remember is that anyone who truly has a food allergy is not, I repeat, IS NOT judging you for what YOU eat.
3 Tips For Social Dinning With People Who Have Food Restrictions:
1. When hosting a party always ask your guest if they have any food allergies or restrictions.
2. Ask your guests to bring their favorite dish.
3. Try new foods, meals and restaurants that allow you and your loved one to eat in accordance to their diet.
The main thing is respect from both sides — if we can respect, support and not pass judgement on each other, the dining out experience should be fun and easy!
Comment below on your own tips and tricks to dining out with food restrictions.