Are you eating paleo but struggling to stick to your diet while dining out? Fear not! There are plenty of ways to stay paleo-friendly while eating out at a restaurant or grabbing takeout. Follow these tips and tricks to make sure you stick to your diet and enjoy your meal at the same time.

Do your research before you go 📝🔍👀

Before you choose a restaurant or order takeout, do some research into their menu. Look for dishes that contain paleo-friendly ingredients like meat, fish, vegetables, and healthy fats. You can also call ahead and ask the restaurant about their options for paleo eaters.

Make sure you know which ingredients to avoid, such as grains, dairy, processed foods, and sugar. Understanding the menu beforehand will make it easier for you to choose the right options and avoid temptation.

A person scrolling through a restaurant's online menu on their phone

Choose your restaurant carefully 🍴👀🌟

When choosing a restaurant, opt for ones that use fresh, whole ingredients. Avoid fast food and chain restaurants that rely heavily on processed ingredients.

Choose restaurants that are known for their healthy and paleo-friendly options. For example, sushi restaurants are great for paleo eaters because they typically serve lots of protein and vegetable-heavy dishes.

A person looking at a restaurant sign to choose where to eat

Don’t be afraid to ask for modifications 🙏🍴💬

Most restaurants are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions. Don’t be afraid to ask your server to modify your dish to make it paleo-friendly. For example, ask for no sauce, extra veggies instead of rice or potatoes, or a salad instead of fries.

Many restaurants even have a separate gluten-free or paleo menu, so don’t hesitate to ask for that as well.

A person asking a server if they can make a dish paleo-friendly

Be mindful of hidden ingredients 🕵️‍♀️👀🕵️‍♂️

Be aware of hidden ingredients in dishes that may not seem obvious. For example, dressings and sauces can contain sugar or dairy.

Common culprits include soy sauce, cornstarch, and breaded or fried foods. Make sure you ask your server which ingredients are in a dish if you’re unsure.

A person noticing a sauce ingredient that is not paleo-friendly on a dish

Focus on protein and veggies 🥩🥦🥕

When in doubt, focus on dishes that are high in protein and veggies. These are typically the most paleo-friendly options on any menu.

Choose dishes that are grilled, baked, or roasted instead of fried. Opt for dishes with a variety of colorful veggies that are sautéed or roasted with healthy fats like olive oil.

A person holding a plate with a variety of grilled protein and veggies

BYO paleo snacks 🥜🍎👜

If you’re going to an event where you’re unsure what the food options will be like, bring your own paleo snacks to munch on. This will give you a healthy option to snack on while you socialize, and can help you avoid non-paleo options.

Bring snacks like nuts, fruit, jerky, and paleo-friendly bars. This will ensure that you’re getting the fuel you need while sticking to your dietary restrictions.

A person holding a small bag of paleo snacks

Sticking to your paleo diet while dining out doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. By doing your research, choosing the right restaurant, asking for modifications, and being mindful of hidden ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal while staying paleo-friendly.

An image of a person sitting at a restaurant table, smiling after eating a paleo-friendly meal