How to Eat at Restaurants with Dietary Restrictions

Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, oil-free, sugar-free or all of the above, eating out can be daunting. But have no fear - most restaurants are more than happy to accommodate any diet. 

The biggest key to ordering food at a restaurant is communication with the wait staff. Don't be afraid to explain your dietary needs and be very clear, especially if you have allergies. Ask questions about ingredients and how they're prepared. You can inquire about cross contamination, such as cooking your food separate from ingredients you're sensitive to and using different utensils. 

If the menu does not have options that fit your diet, don't fret. Look for ingredients that you can use to create your own, or take away from one dish to make it something you can eat. You can safely eat most vegetables raw in a salad, steamed, or grilled (though there could be cross contamination in the latter). 

Worst case scenario, you can go to a restaurant with friends for fun and wait until you leave to get food for somewhere else or at home - no need to miss out on the social side of it. But unless you have severe allergies, you'll be able to find some food that meets your dietary preferences. In fact, sometimes having a special meal request will turn out to be better than something right off the menu!