How to dine out at a regular restaurant if you’re a raw foodist

Tomorrow, my boyfriend and I are heading to Napa Valley and then San Francisco  for a few days to take a little vacation.  I am so excited for this trip.  We plan on visiting a good handful of wineries (including two organic ones), Café Gratitude in San Fran, a farmers market or two, possibly the Green Festival since it will be in San Francisco that weekend, and doing as any other healthy/green/active options that present themselves (we’ll be biking over the Golden Gate Bridge too).  Like I said, I can’t wait! ☺

I know I’ve written quite a bit on travel tips in the past so I won’t rehash that out today, but I would like to talk about how to dine out at a regular restaurant if you’re a raw foodist (which is what I assume I’ll be doing while we’re in Napa (Calistoga to be exact).  Probably not San Fran though since there are so many raw food restaurants and organic juice bars and cafes there :)

The key to eating out at regular restaurants is planning ahead by bringing a portable snack such as a snack bar, flax crackers, or some raw nuts or seeds (usually those on salads are toasted or candied). You’ll probably want to bring some sort of food with protein in it because most likely the salad you order will just be a plain salad with some fat on it like avocado and/or dressing and this alone might not be enough to keep you full until your next meal.

Also, having some dried fruit or a little piece of a dessert is perfect to have on hand if you feel you might want that after your meal.  Sometimes it’s just nice to treat yourself to a something sweet afterward, especially if everyone else is.  I used to put a little date rolled in cacao nibs in a small salad dressing container with me out to eat and that would completely satisfy me!!

When it comes to ordering, don’t be afraid to ask people to “customize” a salad for you.  Ask for a big salad with greens other than iceberg and LOTS of different raw vegetables on it.  Ask for as many colors as possible.  If the restaurant has any guacamole or avocado on the menu—great! Now you know they have avocados back there and can ask for avocado to be put on your salad as well.

For dressing you could choose a vinaigrette, lemon juice, or oil and vinegar on the side.

Others may or may not notice what you’re doing.  They won’t if you’re nonchalant about it.  But they might if you’re really uncomfortable and embarrassed about it yourself.  I’ve found that others are usually really interested in what I’m eating and will even comment on how good my salads look!

If people ask about your diet, have a simple definition planned and memorized that you can give them.  If you’re like me and don’t like turning the whole dinner conversation into one about raw foods, just say it’s how your prefer to eat or you’re trying something new out for a while.  (Raw Tip: choose your line and deliver it in a positive and confident way)
If you’re still not comfortable eating out but still love hanging out with your non-raw friends, eat beforehand and say you had a late lunch.  Just make sure to bring a snack in your purse or pocket just in case you’ll be out for a while.  I’ve learned by now no never get caught out (away from home), really hungry, with nothing healthy to eat!

Related posts:

1. How to stay raw while out having fun
2. Turkey Day Tips!
3. A Raw Foodist in Napa Valley
4. A Raw Foodist in San Francisco
5. Is Your Refrigerator Stocked for Raw Success?