Lack of control when going out to dinner

[David]

I hangout with a group of people who get together every 10 days or so for some fun and thereafter go out to dinner. I do SO WELL when I stick to my diet at home. But when we go out to dinner I lose all self control. And here I sit at 6:48am having been up all night sick and miserable as a result. You would think that would be enough to get me to stop such behavior but this has happened enough that I realize I have a problem.

Has anyone here conquered this beast? If so, any tips would be ever so appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[ellie]

Sorry you're feeling miserable -- particularly because you give everyone on the forum such great support and sound advice!
No magic bullets to suggest, unfortunately.. In my pre-Crohn's life, if there was something to "diet for" (new outfit, tight jeans, whatever!) I'd be obsessional no matter what the temptation
Maybe a couple of mental lists - white/grey/black (=safe/dubious/dangerous)?
Then consider the venue's possibilities, and mentally "preselect" your menu choices (for me that would be beware the lettuce/salad, engender some group support for steamed veges "side", choose the fish instead of the beef, even tho I'd intrinsically prefer the steak!)
And sit on my hands so I don't nibble in the chilli garnish!
And EtOH? Lots of water before bed!
Hope you're feeling better soon

HD

 

[xX_LittleMissValentine_Xx]

It is hard.
I find myself limiting the menu down, cutting out the spicey, meaty avoiding the alcohol etc.
I don't really know what to suggest, other than trying to pick the safest option!
Sometimes If I have nothing to do the next day, I just think, oh well, I'll just be ill tomorrow!

 

[xmdmom]

I'm sorry that you are feeling sick.

Mindfulness and in particular, taking a pause when you are ordering/eating and midway into the meal, to check in with your mind and body has been helpful for individuals who overeat. I think it could be a worth a try for individuals who eat foods that "they know" rev up their symptoms. A pause gives you a moment to think about how you are feeling and what you want and need. You might try to imagine the outcomes of 1) eating x or 2)eating y before you order. I don't know if this will help you but it might be worth a try.

I have another idea that might help. Can you recall a time or times when you've gone out and eaten well (stayed away from things that make you sick later)? If so, think back to what allowed you to be successful on those occasions. The "what" could be something you were thinking, the restaurants you went to, the friends you were with, something your friend said....

 

[Lisa]

We are our own worst enemy sometimes, aren't we?.....like - I know that onions usually give me gas like there is no tomorrow - yet I'm hungry and my lunch is soooo handy (yes, it is 8am!).....so down goes the mushroom/onion/pork chop!..... sigh....

 

[Aussie]

Hi David, if you know you're going to "lose all self control", which is very easy when out with a group of friends, have you thought about pre-medicating to try and target your symptoms. Ie. if diarrhoea is the trouble, have a few loperamide beforehand.

Another thought is to trial Iberogast, which works really well for post-meal symptoms, particularly with functional dyspepsia and IBS, not implying that you have either of those however, but it's quite safe, take it before you head out, and it might take the edge off and allow you to let your hair down now and then.

Good luck!

 

[Ihurt]

Hi. I haven't even been dx, I am still waiting for tests. But I know what ya mean about eating out places. I hardly ever eat out( I usually have some kind of reaction when I do). I am gluten free first, and also I just find I feel it safer to just eat at home so I know what I eat is safe. For instance, I just watched on the news about 6 months ago that chicken is not good for women unless it is chicken rasied without antibitoics. They are finding more and more women getting antibitoic resistant urinary infections. ( I already have IC and am prone to UTIs, so no more chicken out for me!). I know this does not pertain to men, but just thought I would add.

I guess one idea would be to possibly eat at a place where there is something there you know you can eat without getting sick. That or eat before you all go out and maybe just snack on something light when you are out, something you know is safe for you. I know it sucks. I have not even been dx yet, but with all my other health issues, I feel like a social outcast! I can Never ever drink more than a couple ounces ot water or any liquid or I will be forever having to pee. It is hard, but you just gotta find ways that suit you so you do not end up getting sick and paying for it in the end....

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

Oh David, I can so relate! In fact, I'm planning on eating something not at all safe for dinner tonight and I know I'll pay for it so I can really relate as I'll be in that situation in a few hours myself! They gave away prizes at my work during an event earlier this week, and I won a gift certificate to a local pizza place. This particular pizza place has awesome, amazing, delicious, painful, miserable, stupid pizza. No part of my digestive tract likes it - in addition to the IBD which hates greasy food, my GERD hates tomato sauce and grease too, oh and also I'm lactose intolerant! But it's soooo yummy and a rare treat so sometimes I indulge with the understanding that the aftermath probably won't be pretty. As Little Miss Valentine said, I have no real plans tomorrow (no plans to leave the house anyway) so that somehow allows me to justify torturing myself this way. And sometimes, miraculously, I eat pizza and don't pay for it! Not very often, but it does happen, so I think I hold onto those good memories and am in denial about all the times I did pay for my indulgences.

So I have no real advice for you, but I can absolutely relate and will see you in restaurant hell shortly! Save me a seat, I'll bring the Zofran and heating pads!

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Sorry to hear that David Unfortunately, it seems like being good when going out isn't always obtainable. My folks are used to going to fast food joints and we're not. Even though I try to be really careful most times I still don't feel good after eating out with them.

My husband's used to eating like me for the most part, but isn't a Crohnie. Although, after eating out quite often I get asked if he's sure that he doesn't have Crohn's too oo: Feel better soon. :hug: