How to Prepare for Dining Out

Plan Ahead Where will you be dining? Look up the menu online Call to talk to the restaurant about options Make a restaurant suggestion to your friends/family that you know works with your eating plan Bring your own condiments (sea salt, apple cider vinegar, home made herb dressing for salad, etc.) Get creative!

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions How is this dish prepared? What condiments are added? Are there any ingredients that are not listed that are in this….salad, vegetable dish, etc. May I get the dish prepared differently? Raw Flash steamed What fresh ingredients does your kitchen stock? Will you please make these changes without charge or with a reduction in charge (if you are asking for a dish where the meat/seafood is removed)?

Menu Breakdown Are there fresh fruits and vegetables in dishes? What herbs are on other dishes that you may use to spice a salad or vegetable Post-Bootcamp Steamed Grains: Rice, Quinoa Beans

Local Favorites Luby’s Gabby’s Carrabba’s

Vegan & Raw Restaurants in Houston The Garden Kitchen – Main Street Pepper Tree – Richmond/Kirby Area Mango’s Café - Montrose A Moveable Feast – Richmond/Shepherd Area Pine Forest Garden – Chinatown Madras Pavilion - Galleria

Family Gatherings & Parties Let host know that you are on a special diet (medical reasons, if applicable) Bring your own food and enough for others to try Make it a positive experience Resist the “guilt trip” of having to try your favorite relative’s dessert or specialty dish Eat before you go to resist temptation Don’t skip social events – very important to stay connected