1. Choose Wisely
Choose foods off the menu just like you would at the grocery store. Certain foods will trigger an attack of gastroesophageal reflux, also known as GERD. The rules don't change just because you're at a restaurant. There are almost always good choices when eating out, because the restaurant business has realized more people want to eat healthy. Even a fast food restaurant may have salads or grilled chicken on the menu. And many restaurants now have special diet menus or will use an alternative technique to prepare your food. All you have to do is ask.
2. Set Yourself Up For Success
Don't set yourself up for failure when eating out by choosing restaurants that will tempt you to stray away from your GERD diet plan. Avoid those country-style places that specialize in deep fried everything. If you're trying a new place, check it out online. Many restaurants now have their menu posted on their website. If spicy food sets off your acid reflux, keep clear of Mexican places.
3. Stuffing Is for Turkeys
For some GERD sufferers, it's not so much the food they eat as the amount. Overheating places way too much pressure on the lower part of the esophagus and can lead to severe heartburn. Most American restaurants seem to have never heard of portion control. You can get around this by asking for a half portion or ordering from the children's menu. Order an appetizer. Eat slowly, enjoy every bite and take the rest home for another meal tomorrow.
4. The Finish Line
Eating dessert is a special treat when dining out. But even if you make wise choices for your main course, that fat-laden finish will often set off a GERD attack. Yummy desserts are hard to resist, particularly when they bring around a dessert cart and you actually get to see the real thing. Try to remember how awful GERD makes you feel, and resist the temptation to stuff. How about splitting one dessert two ways, or even three or four? Sometimes, just one bite of something sweet hits the spot.
5. Don't Whine About the Wine
A nice glass of wine is part of the dining out experience, especially at a fine restaurant. If alcohol triggers your GERD, order something non-alcoholic when everyone else is choosing wine. You can even ask for it in a wine glass. Cranberry juice and ginger ale poured over ice makes a delicious drink. If you still want something alcoholic, order a spritzer, which is half wine and half soda. And if you do go for a full alcoholic drink, stop after one.
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