Dining out

If you feel up to it, you can still enjoy a meal at one of your favorite local spots. You may need to make some adjustments to ensure that the restaurant environment doesn’t harm your health goals during treatment.

• Eat early to avoid crowds.

• Ask that food be prepared fresh in fast-food restaurants.

• Ask for single-serving condiment packages and avoid self-serve bulk

condiment containers.

• Do not eat from high-risk food sources, including salad bars,

delicatessens, buffets and smorgasbords, potlucks and sidewalk vendors.

• Do not eat raw fruits and vegetables when eating out.

• Avoid fresh-squeezed juices in restaurants.

• Be sure that utensils are set on a napkin or clean tablecloth or placemat

rather than right on the table. You can ask for plastic utensils as well.

• If you want to keep your leftovers, ask for a (non-aluminum) container, and put the food in it yourself rather than having the server take your food to the kitchen to do this.

• Ask for an extra plate so you can make yourself a smaller serving and

avoid feeling overwhelmed.