The MetaTyping™ Nutrition Blog

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The "Dining Out" Dilemma - Eating Right for Your Type Away From Home!

From: The MetaTyping Nutrition Blog
Posted: Wednesday May 7, 2008

Greetings,

Let's say you've taken that all-important first step toward improving your health and controlling your weight ... namely, you are now eating according to your metabolic type. (If you don't know your metabolic type, click here.)

Eating right for your metabolic type is easy when you eat at home. You have complete control over what you shop for, what you buy, and what you prepare.

But what do you do when you are away from home?

There are so many occasions when you need or want to "eat out" - when you go out with your friends, or you are invited to dinner with the relatives, or you go away for vacation.

If you are eating the right foods for your metabolic type at home - and you're starting to control your weight and look and feel better - you may be confronted with a dilemma. Should I insist on "eating for my type" when away from home, or should I "go with the flow" and just eat what is available?

I would recommend that if you have severe health or weight problems, or if you've not been following your metabolic plan faithfully, you should insist on eating right for your type. Do not let eating out be another excuse!

But if you don't have any severe problems, or if you've been following your metabolic plan to the letter, it's acceptable to "go with the flow" for just one meal. Eating one meal a week that's not right for your type shouldn't be too damaging - as long as you've been good for the rest of the week.

So what should you do if you you need to stick more closely to your metabolic diet when you're away from home? Here are some suggestions that will help you cope.

Eating at Restaurants

When eating out at a restaurant, most offer at least one entree that works best for your metabolic type. If you can't find an entree that works, instead try "building your own" by ordering appetizers and/or hors d'oeuvres that are right for your type instead of an entree.

If you are ordering a protein item, try choosing the best one for your type, according to your food chart. If the restaurant offers several proteins, then try choosing the highest quality. For example choose lamb or grass-fed beef over grain-fed beef, or choose wild caught halibut over farm-raised salmon. Check my Eat With Your Body Report (click here) for my recommendations on high quality foods.

And whether you are ordering protein or carbs, don't be afraid to ask your waiter what type of oils they use in preparing your food. You may find that what is described on the menu as "butter" (a good general fat for all metabolic types) is really part margarine and butter, or a combination of butter substitute and butter. And even if the menu says "olive oil" (another good general fat), they may actually be combining olive oil with the vegetable oils like canola, safflower, or sunflower oils. Ask if they will instead prepare your entree with real butter, or with just olive oil.

Of course, the more expensive the restaurant, the more likely they will honor your request. But even chain restaurants that I visit in my local area are more than accomodating with these requests.

Eating at Friends and Family

First of all, keep in mind that during social occasions, you are there to enjoy the company of your friends and family. Don't be rude or "in your face" with others about your dietary needs. If you are comfortable expressing your needs, do so in a polite manner. If your friends and family really care about you, they will be supportive of your needs.

But what if you don't feel comfortable? Here are some strategies you can use to cope.

First of all, you can always eat something right for your metabolic type before you leave home. Having a full stomach helps you to make better choices once you arrive at the event. Don't leave your home hungry, as you will want to eat everything in sight.

If you have to eat something wrong for your type at the gathering, take small bites of the food on your plate. Try to make it last throughout the evening, or leave some food on your plate at the end of the meal.

And you can always say "no" to alcohol, if it's not right for your metabolic type. Or if you have a small glass of wine, sip it and make it last.

Remember though, if you have severe health or weight problems, it might be wiser to bring your own food to eat. Just check with your host beforehand, explaining that you have some strict dietary recquirements. If bringing your own food offends anyone, then so be it. If they are your family or friends, your health should be as important to them as it is to you!

Eating While Traveling

If this is a short day trip, you'll probably be eating in restaurants, so just follow the restaurant recommendations I gave above.

Traveling by plane can be a challenge. Plane food is just awful, so bring nuts, dried fruits, cheese sandwiches and any bars that work for your metabolic type. And especially when traveling, drink plenty of water so you stay hydrated.

When staying in hotels, there are a few options you can try. If possible, choose hotels that have in-room refrigerators. Buy food at local natural food stores or grocery stores for eating in your room. If traveling by car, bring along your own food in a cooler.

It's What You Do 90% of The Time!

And keep in mind, it's what you eat at 90% of your meals that counts. If you are already eating right for your metabolic type, one or two meals away from home shouldn't be a concern. The other 19 meals each week should more than cover you for those one or two meals.

Wishing you the best in health and longevity,

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