One of the hardest parts of having an alpha-gal allergy is deciding if and what to eat at restaurants. Since going out for a meal is such a significant part of our culture, many people struggle with the social and logistical challenges of doing so with such a serious allergy.

For many of us, it can bring unwanted attention and give limited options—how many times have you found yourself hungry with nothing you can safely eat besides maybe a plain baked potato? And it can be difficult to enjoy the company of others when they’re chowing down on a juicy burger while you sip your ice water and pick at a bed of dry lettuce.

But with a little preparation and planning, many of us can enjoy a meal away from home. Here are my tips for making the most of a night out:

1. Know your sensitivity! Any time you allow someone else to prepare your food—whether at a restaurant or at a friend’s house—you run the risk of cross contamination. If a rogue bacon bit will send you to the ER, don’t risk it. Stick to vegan restaurants, bring your own food, or invite friends over to your house.
2. Be prepared with a recommendation. Chances are, if you’re going out to eat, you’re not going out alone. So be ready with a list of restaurants that you’ve been to, researched, and/or called ahead and that you think will best suit your needs. Encourage your group to make reservations ahead of time so you can request a table away from the kitchen and/or near a door or window if you’re fume-sensitive.
3. Always talk to the manger or chef. If you’re thinking of trying a new restaurant, call first and ask to speak to a manager or chef during non-peak hours. Explain your needs and concerns and ask them if they think they can accommodate you. Ask them about beef broth, butter, or pork in vegetables. What about their sauces? Ask about how specific dishes you might order are prepared.
4. Request a simple dish. The less sauces, dressings, and add-ons a recipe has, the less likely it will be a problem. For instance, if I go to a Japanese or Chinese restaurant, they can usually steam some veggies and maybe some chicken in the back (NOT on a hibachi grill).
5. Bring your own flavor enhancers and toppings. Since you’re ordering simple dishes, bring your own seasoning salt, dressing, or sauce. I bring my own Tamari soy sauce to asian restaurants (because I’m gluten sensitive too), and I’ve got a great little container like this one for transporting dressings. You might also bring something like nuts or granola to enrich a simple salad.
6. Keep snacks with you at all times. If you want to be miserable, sit around and watch other people eat appetizers when you’re hungry. I always keep a couple Larabars, trail mix bags, and/or applesauce pouches in my purse for times when I find myself unexpectedly in need of something to eat. You might also want to snack on a little something at home before heading to the restaurant so you’re not so hungry.
7. Look for vegetarian options (or vegan if you’re sensitive to dairy). Many major cities will have at least a couple farm-to-table, or vegan-friendly options. Otherwise, you might consider ordering a veggie plate, or just a few sides. Even if a chicken dish is available, it is often cooked on the same surface as beef, so order meat with caution.
8. Visually examine your food for cross-contamination. Trust no one. I remember I found a piece of roast beef that had apparently fallen in my black beans. I tasted it and immediately spit it out (as discreetly as possible) into my napkin. Another time, a mislabeled salad had bacon in it. Again, I tasted it and stopped before I completely ingested it. Both times I took a preemptive Benadryl and thankfully did not have a reaction.
9. Carry Benadryl and Epi-pen at all times. If things take a turn for the worse, you don’t want to be caught unprepared! Always keep your allergy medicine on hand.

I know these tips may feel like major inconveniences at times, but we truly have so many more options today than in the past. I hope these tips help you find some good restaurants in your area and that you’re able to enjoy a well-cooked meal out on the town!

So what do you think about these tips? Do you have anything you would add? Comment below, email me, or use this contact form!