Dining out while on the Whole30 can seem intimidating and some may think it’s impossible, but I promise you it’s not, in fact it’s pretty easy. Here are some quick tips and some sample places to eat around town. Also, check out the Whole30 Dining Out Guide for additional tips.
Tip #1– Take Charge! Remember, you are the paying customer here. It’s okay to ask questions and make substitutions. Trust me, they are used to it, you’re not going to be the first person to ask what oil they cook their food in or whether or not you can substitute steamed vegetables for french fries.
Tip#2– Bring along your favorite whole30 compliant dressing or condiment. You can always order a salad, even at McDonald’s, but it may be hard to find a dressing on the menu that doesn’t have added sugar or dairy. So, bring your own or just ask for olive oil and vinegar. You can find travel salad dressing containers like the one pictured below at most major retailers.
Tip#3– Check the restaurants website or call ahead. Most chain restaurants and even some locally owned restaurants will have a sample menu on their websites. Take a look online and have a plan before you go on what you are going to order or what items you are going to add or substitute.
Tip#4 – Look for items on the menu that are grilled, baked, roasted, or steamed. And avoid menu items that say deep-fried, crispy, battered or sauced. Don’t forget to check to see if they add butter to their vegetables or steaks. And if they do, double-check to see if it’s clarified butter and, if not, ask that they omit it or use olive oil instead.
Tip#5 – Give yourself a break! Remember that letter about not pursuing the perfect whole30. If you take a bite of your chicken and realize it was marinated in soy sauce, it’s okay, enjoy your meal and move on.
American
- Look for grilled steak, chicken, or fish
- Substitute fries for steamed vegetables or a baked potato
- Ask for no bun with your burger or ask for a lettuce wrap
- Salads with no cheese, or croutons and ask for olive oil and vinegar as your dressing (or bring your own)
Mexican
- Get fajitas without tortillas and skip on the rice and beans. Ask for extra lettuce, salsa and guacamole instead.
- Taco salad without the crispy tortilla bowl
Thai/ Asian/ Sushi
- Look for Curries. They are typically made with spices and coconut milk. Double check to make sure that they don’t add sugar and hold on the rice.
- Stir fry’s with steak, chicken or shrimp with lots of fresh vegetables. Ask that they leave out the soy sauce ( bring along your own coconut amino) and skip on the rice.
- Sashimi
Seafood
- Look for items on the menu that are boiled, steamed or baked.
- Most seafood places use clarified butter for their dipping sauce, but it’s always best to double-check.
Breakfast
- Omelets loaded with veggies. Double check that they don’t add milk.
- Eggs scrambled, fried, poached, etc. with some sautéed or roasted vegetables.
- Fresh fruit bowl
Here are a few places to eat around town and examples on what to order.
The Top Hat
- Vegetable cauliflower curry
- Check weekly “Resolution Specials”-Each dish will be hearty and healthy, incorporating lean meats, fish, fruit, vegetables, healthy oils and nuts while excluding grains, dairy products and processed foods.
- Look for the “no sugar added” label on the menu.
- Lots of menu items that could easily be made whole30 compliant by switching out one or two ingredients.
- They have coconut cauliflower rice!
Five on Black
- Tilapia bowl
- Roasted veggie bowl
- Side of steamed collard greens, coconut roasted sweet potatoes, roasted veggies
- Spicy coconut sauce
Chipotle
- Carnitas, and load up on the lettuce, salsa and guacamole.
Jakers
- Salad bar and lots of great salads options that could easily be made Whole3o compliant.
- Seared peppered Tuna (no rice or dressing)
- Lettuce wrapped burger or chicken avocado tomato sandwich with lettuce wrap
- Grilled Steaks with fresh vegetables
- Broiled Salmon
Red Robin
- Classic burger (no bun) or avocado chicken wedgie with compliant toppings
- Switch out the side of fries with side salad, steamed broccoli , or fruit salad.
- Banzai salad or wedgie with grilled chicken instead of teriyaki, compliant toppings and oil and vinegar dressing.
Iron Horse
- Ahi tuna without the sesame crackers
- Grilled chicken sandwiches and burgers without the buns and ask for whole30 compliant toppings.
- Lots of salad options that could easily be made whole30 by switching out or substituting a few ingredients.
- Healthy bowl without the black beans
The Good Food Store
- Salad bar and Hot bar (they list all their ingredients above each item, so no guess-work on whether it is whole30 compliant or not).
- Rotisserie chicken