Between A Rock And A Hard Place

[pretty in paleo]

So what do you do when a group of friends invites you to a place you obviously can't eat at? Like pizza place or sandwich shop. Every option seems to have a downside. I can either politely decline and be totally left out, try to make everyone change their minds about the restaurant chosed, or just sit in the restaurant with a rumbly stomach. I really curious how others deal with this. Thanks

[shadowicewolf]

Bring your own lunch and supplies? Think of it like a picnic. Or alternatively, you could eat before hand.

[bartfull]

A sandwich shop? I would just bring my own or eat beforehand. A pizza place? I wouldn't go. Too much flour dust in the air. After a time or two, if these friends are true friends, they will ask YOU to pick the restaurant.

[pretty in paleo]

Yea there's usually at least one person present who knows I can only eat at certain places. But people are rude to me about the food I do bring along, like chopped up chicken and protein bars. Either they refuse to try my food or take one tiny bite and kind of gag

[kareng]

Yea there's usually at least one person present who knows I can only eat at certain places. But people are rude to me about the food I do bring along, like chopped up chicken and protein bars. Either they refuse to try my food or take one tiny bite and kind of gag

Wy would you let them eat your food? They can eat the gluteny food at the restaurant they wanted to go to.

[julissa]

I would bring my own food and I wouldn't let them near it.

[pretty in paleo]

Wy would you let them eat your food? They can eat the gluteny food at the restaurant they wanted to go to.

Well in general I share a little food if someone wants to try it, I was always like that

[CommonTater]

I have discovered it can make others feel uncomfortable when they order and you can't and many restaurants won't allow you to bring in your own food. In my opinion it's best to be honest and tell people you can't eat at certain places and generally they are very understanding and you can offer suggestions to restaurants that have foods you can eat.

[MindytheOrganist]

Doesn't the Americans With Disabilites Act cover bringing food into restaurants?

[Kate79]

If you want to go, eat ahead of time and just order a drink.  That's what I do.

[pricklypear1971]

I think I've used every option mentioned above.

I also will eat before, or drive myself to the restaurant - stopping to get something "safe" I can gulp down - and then order a drink and socialize with friends.

There can be distinct differences between eating and socializing, I've learned. You can do both at once, or just one at a time.