• blog
    • Blog Categories
    • About Me
    • Disclosure + Legalities
    • 5 Day Fasting Program
    • Meal Planning
    • Beauty Detox Nutrition Plan
    • Nutrition + Supplements
    • Whole30 Guide - Free eBook
    • Nutritious Life Certified
    • Shop Oliveda Waterless Skincare
    • Take the Skincare Quiz
    • Join my Oliveda Team
    • Why I Switched To Safer
    • Beautycounter will return late 2024!
  • Financial Freedom
    • Shop Oliveda Skincare
    • Shop LTK Fashion
    • Shop My Instagram
    • My Amazon Picks
    • Holistic Pet Products
  • Contact
Menu

Happy WifeStyle™

Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number

Your Custom Text Here

Happy WifeStyle™

  • Blog
    • blog
    • Blog Categories
  • About
    • About Me
    • Disclosure + Legalities
  • NUTRITION
    • 5 Day Fasting Program
    • Meal Planning
    • Beauty Detox Nutrition Plan
    • Nutrition + Supplements
    • Whole30 Guide - Free eBook
    • Nutritious Life Certified
  • Beauty
    • Shop Oliveda Waterless Skincare
    • Take the Skincare Quiz
    • Join my Oliveda Team
    • Why I Switched To Safer
    • Beautycounter will return late 2024!
  • Financial Freedom
  • SHOP
    • Shop Oliveda Skincare
    • Shop LTK Fashion
    • Shop My Instagram
    • My Amazon Picks
    • Holistic Pet Products
  • Contact

18 Tips for Eating Out Like a Paleo Pro

January 27, 2015 Happy WifeStyle
how-to-eat-out-paleo

"I could never eat Paleo, I eat out too much."  This is something that many people say, and believe.  I wanted to give people a resource for staying "Paleo-friendly" and being able to enjoy the social aspect of a meal out with friends.

We rarely eat out.  I cook almost all of our meals at home.  It's the best way to know exactly what ingredients go into our bodies.  But there are times we love to enjoy meals out with friends.  We go to Maui for an amazing week-long seminar once a year and we eat out every night!  That's okay, because we know what to do...make smart choices!

More often than not, if my husband and I go out, it's Sushi.  We love Sushi.  I get Sashimi Maguro (tuna with no rice) and seaweed salad or a spicy tuna salad.  A great tip...get a roll and substitute avocado for the rice!  Bam...Paleo Pro.  My "go-to" option when I'm eating out for breakfast:    Eggs.  Bacon.  If I'm eating breakfast out, it's rare...so I'll usually eat some potatoes as a splurge.  If I'm in NYC I make sure I hit the "Cupping Room" on Broome Street in Soho at least once...and yes, I will have their amazing Eggs Benedict Florentine.  That's what's fabulous about Paleo, it's a "lifestyle", so you decide when it's worth it to splurge and enjoy it!  These days I'd actually just ask for it on potatoes or tomatoes instead of english muffins.  My "go-to" option when I'm eating out for lunch:  Order a salad.  Minus any croutons or cheese.  Add a grilled protein (chicken, steak, ahi or salmon).  No dressing.  Oil & vinegar on the side.  Bam...Paleo Pro.  My "go-to" option when I'm eating out for dinner:  Order a grilled protein (same as above) as an entree.  Minus any sauces.  Substitute grilled veggies as a side.  Bam...Paleo Pro!  My husband and I also will split a meal if it's a place that serves larger portions.  We just don't enjoy being "stuffed".  It's just doesn't feel good!  I'm not one to ask a TON of questions when ordering...I don't want to be "that woman", so that's what I personally do.  I realize that not everyone has the time I do to cook.   The following list of 18 tips may help you better navigate the restaurant world and make smart choices too.  -The following list is from Paleo Magazine...

This list of tips is not about being ideal.  Ideal is that you buy fresh, local meats and produce and cook them yourself.

Before You Go Out:1.  Before eating out, look at the menu and decide on a Paleo option.  Order (in your mind) Before You Go Out. I know this takes a little time and work, but practically 100% of restaurant menus are online now (if not on the restaurant website, then on Yelp or MenuPages). Spend a few minutes before you go out, and actually decide what you’re going to order. Then, when you get to the restaurant, don’t even look at the menu. Just order.

2.  Eat Before You Get to the Restaurant. Doing this is golden. Even if you still plan on eating at the restaurant (since it’s often socially awkward not to), you don’t want to be starving by the time that you get there. Being hungry makes it much less likely that you’ll stick to your plans. Eating something Paleo before you go does 2 things: a) it makes you less likely to order something unhealthy, and b) it allows you to order something like a burger without a bun and not worry about being hungry.

3.  Try to Convince Your Friends/Family to Go to Certain Types of Restaurants. In particular, BBQ, Mediterranean/Greek, Middle Eastern, and steak restaurants are excellent, offering a lot of Paleo choices, from kebabs to steaks to seafood. I don’t know specifically which restaurants you have around your area, but you almost definitely have one of these types of restaurants.

4.  Many National (U.S) Chains are Good. Applebees, Chili’s, Outback, and TGI Friday’s all have a fair number of options to choose from, including steaks, chicken dishes, fajitas, seafood, and more. You’ll need to be careful about whether some of these options are breaded and/or have sauces with added sugars, but you’ll be able to find good choices.

5.  Never Go to Certain Restaurants. You should hang out with friends, even if it’s not convenient for your diet, if for no other reason than that community and friends are healthy. However, you should occasionally turn down offers, mostly if it means you’ll end up going to a restaurant where it’s extremely hard for you to order healthy Paleo food. Here are a few examples: Pizza joints, sandwich shops, many small mexican restaurants, and many italian restaurants. You can often get fajitas at a mexican restaurant and salad or chicken at an italian one, but the options are more limited. Pizza joints and sandwich shops are usually the worst.

At the Restaurant:6.  Ask lots of Paleo questions about your food.  Don’t Be Shy When Asking Questions. You’re the one paying for and eating the food at a restaurant. You have a right to know what’s in it, so don’t be shy about asking questions.

7.  Pretend to be Allergic to Gluten. Gluten is one of the worst things you can eat at a restaurant, but there’s an easy way around it. So many people are actually allergic to gluten now, that restaurants are very keen to avoid making anyone sick and becoming liable for it. Just tell your waiter or waitress that you’re allergic to gluten, and they’ll almost always be extra-careful to make sure that your food doesn’t contain any.

8.  Ask if the Dish You’re Ordering is Breaded. (Especially for seafood). I’ve ordered food so many times only to have it come and be breaded. I’m always so disappointed and shocked, even though I shouldn’t be. Make sure you ask.

9.  If You’re Very Sensitive to Something, Tell Them You’re Allergic. Allergies and sensitivities aren’t exactly the same thing, but it’s close enough. Restaurants are much more careful with allergies, so use that to your advantage.

10.  Say that You’re on a Prescribed Diet. You don’t have to say who prescribed it or exactly what it entails. Just give your waiter or waitress the details that matter. For instance, no gluten, no processed sugar, and no seed oils. Most restaurants try to accommodate prescribed diets, but they’re not always as helpful if they just view it as your preference.

11.  Always Ask about the Cooking Oil. Really, this is the #1 reason that eating out is less healthy. It’s hard to go almost anywhere that doesn’t cook in corn, vegetable, or canola oil. This is the first thing I ask when I go out.

12.  Ask for Olive Oil as a Cooking Oil. I can’t wait for the day that restaurants have coconut oil on hand. Until that day, the best thing you can usually ask for is to have your food cooked in olive oil, which most restaurants have available. One of the reasons I eat at Greek restaurants more than others is because they cook most food in olive oil to begin with.

13.  Beware Added Sugar. Sugar is often added at various stages of preparation and cooking, so wait-staff might not know. For instance, they often don’t think about what went into make the sauce to begin with. Still, it’s a question worth asking.

14.  Wait-Staff Doesn’t Know Everything. Get Them to Ask the Chef. Many of the tips above are questions to ask, but often, your waiter or waitress won’t really know the answer. The chef usually does.

15.  Substitute Veggies as Side. Vegetables may not even be listed as a possible side, but most restaurants serve some time of vegetable (although many consider corn to be a vegetable).

16.  Ask for No MSG. Particularly if you’re eating at an Asian restaurant, but even many other restaurants add MSG. I don’t always remember to ask, and MSG isn’t the worst thing you can eat, but I try to remember as often as possible.

17.  Don’t Let Wait-Staff Leave Tempting Items on the Table. For instance, if they try to leave bread on your table, just say “No Thank You, We Don’t Eat Bread.” Having the bread (or other non-Paleo food) on the table just makes it that much harder to resist.

Other Tips:18.  Don’t Stress Too Much. Obviously, if you’re very sensitive or allergic to something, it’s a bigger deal. If you’re not, then don’t worry about eating something non-Paleo every once in a while, especially if it’s a small amount and only occasionally. Stress is neither healthy nor Paleo.

See?  You can do this!  With a little practice....you can eat out like a Paleo Pro too!  :)

In Food & Recipes, Health & Fitness
← Whole30 - Caleb's Story30 Day Squat Challenge →

Hi friends!  I'm Shannon and WELCOME to my health + lifestyle blog.  I often found myself being asked about things like nutrition, health, and fashion...so I decided to start sharing...and Happy WifeStyle™ was born in 2014. Sharing led to inspiring people...inspiring people has led to coaching...and now I've turned my little blog into a business and I couldn't imagine doing anything else.  I hope to inspire you to live your happiest, most nutritious life.  I hope to empower you to know that you can do anything you set your mind to.  If I can do it, you can do it.  Thanks for stopping by and feel free to introduce yourself!

Wellness Starts Here!

Sign up to get my Paleo + Whole30 Recipe eBook for FREE, plus a bonus coupon code for a deep discount on my Beauty Detox Nutrition Program!

Thank you!
SAVE 15% ON PERFECT KETO WITH CODE HAPPY15!

SAVE 15% ON PERFECT KETO WITH CODE HAPPY15!

HWSFinancialFreedomGuideGraphic.png
FREE Gift that can take you from STRESSED to SMART! Get your finances on track now with my tips and resources.

FREE Gift that can take you from STRESSED to SMART! Get your finances on track now with my tips and resources.

Whole30 has partnered with Real Plans to make your Whole30 MEAL PLANNING easier than ever! Some of my recipes are included in their database of over 500 delicious Whole30 recipes! Click here to learn more. You can also choose Paleo or whatever style…

Whole30 has partnered with Real Plans to make your Whole30 MEAL PLANNING easier than ever! Some of my recipes are included in their database of over 500 delicious Whole30 recipes! Click here to learn more. You can also choose Paleo or whatever style of eating you prefer!

Improve Gut, Joint and Skin Health with Organic Beef & Chicken Bone Broth! Click here to shop this fresh, never-frozen bone broth that's as good as homemade!

Improve Gut, Joint and Skin Health with Organic Beef & Chicken Bone Broth! Click here to shop this fresh, never-frozen bone broth that's as good as homemade!


CHOOSE A CATEGORY BELOW

FOOD & RECIPES
ChickenCrustPizza.JPG
Chicken Crust Pizza
LowCarbLasagna.jpg
Easy Low Carb Lasagna
pickledredonions.jpg
Pickled Red Onions
BraisedChickenThighsCover.jpg
Braised Chicken Thighs
PaleoClamChowderRecipe.jpg
Paleo Clam Chowder
CheesyBread.jpg
Easy Cheesy Bread
KetoBagelStack.jpg
Keto Bagels
KetoChickenDivan.jpg
Keto Chicken Divan
StackedEnhchilada8.JPG
Stacked Enchiladas
AvocadoChickenSalad.jpg
Avocado Chicken Salad
chimichurriHWS 2.jpg
Chimichurri Sauce
LemonOliveOilDrink.jpg
Lemon Olive Oil Immunity Drink
Whole30Reintroduction.jpg
Whole30 Reintroduction: Fast Track vs Slow Roll?
CauliflourBuffaloWings.jpg
Whole30 Cauliflower Buffalo 'Wings'
HWSAlmondButterCups.jpg
Sweet + Salty Almond Butter Cups
My Favorite Healthy Green Smoothie
Healthy, Raw, Protein Cookie Dough
Holiday 2 Holiday Challenge
Is Dulse the Next Superfood?
Skin Smoothie
Restaurant Style Artichokes - Whole30 Style
My Anti-Aging Drink
6 Steps to Choosing a Healthy Protein Powder
Cauliflower Chowder
Pan Seared Pork Chops
How To Drink Your Greens
Paleo Vanilla Raw Balls
Eat Your Greens Challenge
Get Your Greens On!
Apple Pie Detox Tea
HEALTH & FITNESS
HappyWifeStyle1.JPG
My First 30 Days on Keto
LemonOliveOilDrink.jpg
Lemon Olive Oil Immunity Drink
Whole30Reintroduction.jpg
Whole30 Reintroduction: Fast Track vs Slow Roll?
NSV.jpg
Whole30 NSV - "I threw my scale in the trash!"
JanuaryWhole30FBCover.png
January Whole30
3 Tips to Sleep Better Tonight
Happy wife style-Edits-0009.jpg
Fueling your Fitness
You Have 4 Minutes To Change Your Life - Q & A with Rebekah Borucki
Benefits of Using a Diffuser
A Healthy Holiday Mindset...
Holiday 2 Holiday Challenge
Is Dulse the Next Superfood?
Healthy Gut Healthy Life Challenge
My Anti-Aging Drink
6 Steps to Choosing a Healthy Protein Powder
5 Minute Plank Workout
Eat Your Greens Challenge
Get Your Greens On!
Dry Skin Brushing - Benefits + How To
Apple Pie Detox Tea
little_black_dress_challenge
30 Day Little Black Dress Challenge
barre3HWS
barre3 Workout
IMG_3992
30 Day Plank Challenge
IMG_3184
The Whole30 Book
IMG_2429
The real reason to set Goals
IMG_1782
Whole30 Day 1 for New Beginnings!
make_a_change
Make a Change Because You Love Your Body, Not Because You Hate It
my-health-story
My Health Story
what-feels-like-the-end
Whole30 Day 30
how-to-eat-out-paleo
18 Tips for Eating Out Like a Paleo Pro
FASHION & STYLE
FallFashionInspo2020.png
Fall Fashion Inspo 2020
NSaleShoePicks.png
My Top 10 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks - Shoes + Boots
NordstromAnniversarySale2018Accessories.png
My Top 10 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks - Accessories + Handbags
GoodTimesandTanLines.jpg
What I'm Packing for Maui
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Shoe Picks
Nordtrom Anniversary Sale Accessory Picks
Outfit of the Day - "Spring Casual"
April Stitch Fix Finds
Nordstom Sale picks for me!
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale - My Top 10 Picks from the Catalog
Summer Outfit for all Occasions
My Top 10 Mothers Day Gift Ideas
What I'm packing for Maui...
Screen Shot 2015-08-05 at 3.58.01 PM
What's Your Word?
does-your-bra-fit
Does Your Bra Fit?
I had never heard of Origami Owl...every locket tells a story, what's yours?
nike-swoosh-logo-orange-largejpg-2760c41798a3dd63
Customize your Nike's!
shoppingapps
My "Top 10" Favorite Shopping Apps...
style
Define Your Style
DianeQuote
50 favorite "fashion quotes"
high_end_low_end_mix
Fashion - How to make the "High End, Low End mix" work
boots
Shop Smarter…How to figure out "Cost Per Wear"
101-Fashion-Tips-and
101 Fashion Tips & Tricks Every Girl Should Know
BEAUTY & PRODUCTS
Counterman - Clean Skincare for Men
Counterman - Clean Skincare for Men
FacialMassage.jpg
Facial Massage
CountermatchLotion.jpg
Nutrition for your Skin
HWSCLEANSWAP.png
Clean Swap - The 6 Worst Offenders in your Beauty Routine
HWSLaptopEdit.JPG
Living an empowered life
Screen Shot 2017-11-24 at 4.19.56 AM.png
Black Friday Deals!
Why I take my own nail polish to the salon...
15 Mother's Day Gifts she actually wants...
Meet Beautycounter+
FOURFREE.png
How to get 4 of my Favorite Beauty Products for FREE!
NEW Desert Sunrise Collection!
Guide to Face Oils
My Make Up Trick...
Can we trust that our beauty products are safe? What you need to know before you shop.
Beautycounter for Target
My Anti-Aging Drink
My Top 10 Mothers Day Gift Ideas
How To Create Beachy Waves
What I'm packing for Maui...
Dry Skin Brushing - Benefits + How To
Charcoal Cleansing Bar + Sea Salt Spray
Safe Product Movement
Screen Shot 2015-07-14 at 8.33.20 AM
Amazon Prime Day
top-5-favorite-beauty-tips
My Top Five Beauty Tips
FullSizeRender 114
Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lash Mascara Review
FullSizeRender 96
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue
lemon_coconut_body_scrub
How to Make Lemon Coconut Body Scrub
does-your-bra-fit
Does Your Bra Fit?
Happy Frenchie Friday!
The best Champagne stopper - keeps it fresh for a week!
FAMILY & HOME
IMG_6473.JPG
Gratitude over Grief
Benefits of Using a Diffuser
A Grateful Heart...
5 Steps to choosing Your Best Life
Safe Product Movement
What I'm focusing on in October
IMG_3261
How to create fun Business Cards
IMG_2429
The real reason to set Goals
business-talk-with-spouse
Why you should take business talk outside the home
FullSizeRender 104
Frenchie Friday
IMG_1519
You Are Who You Surround Yourself With
FullSizeRender 99
10 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self
frenchie_friday_coffee
Frenchie Friday - How I make my coffee these days...
FullSizeRender 79
Frenchie Friday the 13th!
FullSizeRender 64
Frenchie Friday
frenchie_friday
Frenchie Friday
frenchie-friday-close-up
Frenchie Friday
IMG_7752
Never stop being your husband's girlfriend...
FullSizeRender 8
Frenchie Friday
frenchie-friday
Happy Frenchie Friday!
IMG_2052
Frenchie Friday
christmas-gifts-frenchie-friday
Happy Frenchie Friday!
gift-bag-wrapping-paper
How to make a gift bag out of wrapping paper!
IMG_7371
Frenchie Friday...Christmas is right around the corner!
Marianne-Williamson
Our deepest fear...
frenchie-friday-stat-dry
It's Frenchie Friday...Stay Dry!
X-Mas-Frenchie-Friday
Happy Holiday Frenchie Friday!
IMG_7256
Frenchie Friday!
frenchie-friday-cornocopia
Happy Frenchie Friday!
Stella-Fall
Frenchie Friday! Top 10 Cold Weather Pet Tips...

Copyright 2014 Happy WifeStyle™  //  Site by Dapper Fox Design