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I am a huge fan of Whole 30. I’ve completed 3 rounds (90 straight days) and am wrapping up #4 right now. You can read about my experience with the program here.
If you too are participating then you’re well aware that it involves a lot of cooking. Which translates to a lot of dishes. It’s not unmanageable by any means but sometimes you just want someone else to do the work for you. Since I do not have a personal chef (shocking, I know) this requires me to leave the house. On those occasions you may have a moment of panic. I did.
What restaurants can accommodate the Whole 30 restrictions? And can I eat real food or just rabbit food? Don’t get me wrong, I love a salad. In fact I have lots of ideas to help you build a really amazing salad. But I don’t want to be limited to just a salad. I want options. I want really good delicious options.
If you’re not prepared you could find yourself overwhelmed by a menu that doesn’t work for you. It doesn’t have to be that way.
I’ve written my best recommendations for eating out (Eating Out on Whole 30) and created this image above as an easy guide to help when you’re making your restaurant plan of attack.
While it’s far easier to eat at home where you have complete control over what goes into your food, it is possible to enjoy a meal out and you won’t be forced to eat a lettuce leaf with no dressing. Because that sounds horrible. And I don’t waste an opportunity to eat good food.
PLease don’t encourage people to bring their own food into a restaurant! Most restaurants will not allow you to bring outside food because they can be held liable for any food born illness that you might get, even from items that you prepare yourself. If you have strict eating requirements such as allergies or diets, do yourself and the restaurant a favor and call ahead and inquire about what they can do to accommodate your needs. I’m a restaurant manager and I will bend over backwards to accommodate guests with special dietary requirements but I still have to stay within the confines of our health code laws. The safety of my guests is extremely important and so is being able to remain open for business.
You sound like an excellent restaurant manager. I wish all restaurants were as understanding and accommodating as you strive to be! Well done!