Health and nutrition studies indicate that people are flocking to healthy alternatives, and many people are adopting the plant-based diet. If you are someone that has tried to go vegetarian or vegan, you might have noticed that eating out can sometimes pose issues. To be sure that you are able to stick to your diet when you're out enjoying a nice lunch or dinner with people, use the following tips to guide you.
Find a Local Deli That Has Menu Items That Are Vegan-Friendly, and Do Your Research Into How Items are Prepared
In general, delis and diners that are local tend to have their finger on the pulse of the community. It's easier for them to implement vegan-friendly options than a national chain. As a result, you can generally find plenty of non-chain restaurants that are accommodating customers and their dietary needs. Technology is also on your side since most of these places now will also have their menus online or on an app.
Check the menu ahead of time to be sure that they have some menu items that allow you to stick to your diet. When you check the reviews, pay close attention to what customers say about these particular options as well. What's more, research the restaurant and the food items to see how the meals are prepared. For instance, some delis now serve popular plant-based burgers but cook them in butter or use other ingredients that a vegan eater would stay away from.
When in doubt, ask the restaurant personally how they prepare certain menu items, so that you can be on the safe side.
When in Doubt, Ask For Special Orders
Fear not—there are lots of substitutions that you can make if you're transitioning into a plant-based lifestyle. For instance, many delis that don't have vegan options on the menu can easily make you a nice avocado or grilled mushroom sandwich if you ask. You can also opt for almond milk in some places if they offer it.
The bottom line is that you won't know unless you ask. Many local restaurants especially will be happy to accommodate you with special orders. This is especially important if you happen to be eating out with friends or family members and want to make sure there's something available for you to eat.
Use these tips so that you can eat out with a plant-based lifestyle without missing a beat. For more information, talk to companies like abc euro delicatessen.