Eating out seems IMPOSSIBLE. Am I alone?

Hi ,

This is a great question. I feel the same way often. Honestly the only way for me to feel comfortable is to pack my safe foods with me and to have all the essentials on hand. By essentials I mean, a clean pair of underwear, pads, essential oils, and wipes.

When I go to events like that, the more I prepare the better I feel and the better I can enjoy the event. So I would suggest packing your foods so that you can eat comfortably without any anxiety about trying something new.

I hope this helps some.

Always dancing,
Elizabeth (team member)

Hi ,

This was a very difficult problem for me as well when I was first diagnosed. They had me on a much more strict diet then and there wasn't much I was allowed to eat even at home. Eventually you might be able to explore a little with different foods again, reintroducing things to your body and "experimenting" to see how you tolerate it. I suggest doing this at home or close to home and only trying one new thing at a time so you know which food your body's reacting to.

Also, be prepared wherever you go by keeping a bathroom emergency bag like suggested. Keep it in your car, desk drawer, or a backpack to carry with you. My personal bag includes a clean change of pants and underwear, baby wipes, 2 gallon ziplock bags (for soiled clothes and for an emergency barf bag), essential oils, and lastly a type of butt creme.
Any time I go to someone's house for a dinner or on a long car ride I bring snacks too because not all places have food that's safe for me to eat. Some restaurants have an online menu too that you can check before deciding to dine there. One thing I can trust when I dine somewhere new or if I'm just in a flare is the basic chicken tenders and fries or pancakes and eggs. This may be different for you especially if you're gluten free or don't like pancakes. Try not to let food or restrictions bully you too much. Hope this helps !

Hi , we posted this question in our facebook group. Here are some responses that we received:

"I'm the same way. I'm extremely picky about where we go to eat because I want to see where, how and what's in it when it's prepared. It also gives me anxiety thinking about what's in it that I can't control/see. You're not alone."

"I can do just about everything, provided I watch my diet. When I traveled to my cousin’s wedding, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to have any alcohol or ‘fun food.’ But, that was okay by me. I ate jello and crackers in my hotel room and didn’t miss a single wedding event. I was there, I was present, I was making memories with my family and friends that will last a lifetime. That’s what I truly care about. Pass the jello, please! P.s. Crohnie since 2011."

"It's not impossible to eat out, you just have to pick and choose and make new choices. Know what foods that don't cause you to have a flair."

As you can see, you're certainly not alone! How have you been since you last posted? Thinking of you! - Pam (team member)

I'm so sorry to hear your story. I hope you are getting better now.