Hey Folks! We're excited to introduce Certified 21DSD Coach Angelique Trigueros. Angelique's article is part of a series contributed by our Certified 21DSD Coaches. Enjoy! – Diane and Team
One of the biggest concerns for the participants in my groups centers around dining out. When I first did The 21-Day Day Sugar Detox (21DSD), I was afraid my first experience with dining out would be intimidating, but I decided that I wanted to test my boundaries for temptation as well as educate myself about the sugary and refined things I couldn't have but that I was certain awaited me. I was not disappointed.
I learned that there is actually quite a bit to eat at many restaurants when you are looking out for what you can't eat!
It was eye-opening to see how many things I would have eaten in the past without giving them a second thought (egg plant Parmesan, for example) and how many other things I wouldn't have given a try because I would have been eating the other food (Chilean sea bass is a stellar example of this!). I expanded my knowledge base as well as my palate and I got really good at just asking for what I wanted–or didn't want. I figured that I was paying for the food and the service so I might as well get what I actually wanted.
Quick tips for dining out on the 21DSD and after:
* Let your hostess or server know right away that you have specified food preferences. I think this sets a nice tone and opens up a dialogue between you and the server.
* Ask for their suggestions. Often they will let you know what can be modified to accommodate your requests.
* Do not be apologetic for your requests. As long as you are polite and reasonable, there is no reason to view yourself as a high-maintenance bother.
*Enjoy your food. Warning: You will start realizing how much more awesome the meals YOU make are! Spice makes all the difference and sadly, unless I go to a fine dining restaurant, I am often underwhelmed by the food prepared by the leading chains.
I love dining out for the social aspect, so I don't want to stop going out. You get to decide what you eat and how much! Be informed and gently armed and this will flow seamlessly. And it gets easier as your exposure grows and you become more confident in what serves your body's needs.
Angelique Trigueros is a speech-language pathologist in the health care field, a certified professional life coach who specializes in wellness and mindset shifts, 21DSD Certified Coach, and a doctoral candidate in health psychology. She loves to run, hike and do yoga! She educates and trains health care professionals, progressive businesses and highly motivated individuals to use food to revitalize their lives, increase productivity, prevent and even reverse illness.