Traveling as a Picky Eater: 10 Tips to Avoid Starving Yourself
- Christy
- May 6, 2019
- 3 min read
Super picky eater here, plus a bit of a special needs diet. As I have mentioned, I have a lovely autoimmune disorder to consider. I try to avoid processed foods, and certain foods that trigger painful body aches. One of the biggest triggers - SOY. Do you have any idea how much soy is used in food? Talk about difficult! Plus, to be honest, I'm just picky and super grossed out by slimy textures. But, I'm working on it.
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1. I feel good about myself when I try new things. I chalk it up to personal growth, and being a more adventurous person. 😉
2. I look for things on the menu that has a description similar to something I know I like. Maybe it isn't called the same thing, but the description really helps.
3. I order from a picture whenever possible. Turns out well MOST of the time.
4. Pick at my food. Literally. I order something that sounds good, and then pick out the things I know I like. Shepard's pie? Well, I at least know I'll like the carrots and potatoes
5. Do a bit of research about the local food. What is recommended? What are they known for. What do people say about it? Usually, even if they are praising it, I look for phrases that might tip me off. I was watching a video last night, and heard a girl say, "Ooo, I love how it bursts in your mouth, and it is so salty." Welp, that's not for me! But you enjoy it girl!
6. When I am not feeling adventurous, if I find something I like, I just stick to it. For example, in India, I loved the appetizers, loved the BBQ restaurants near Delhi. Hated most of the mains. I don't like the gravy. Its spicy and I don't like the texture. After 3 weeks, I was so tired of "trying" and hating everything, the rest of the trip, I just ordered appetizers and looked for BBQ restaurants.
7. Local grocery stores for fresh fruits and veggies. Granola bars, cereal, pb & j, etc. Familiar things for when you're just not feeling like being adventurous.
8. Really, do try to push yourself to try new things, but when you're just over it, Google restaurants with Western Food. Even then, you might be a little careful. Watch for weird sauces and unfamiliar local flare. Be prepared to wipe and scrape off weird stuff and forge ahead. Ha ha.
9. Look for things from that country you like at home. I can't have too much because of the soy, but I love most Asian fried rice and chicken. So, when we travel to South East Asia, I order some version of that. Works out like 99% of the time.
10. Don't be afraid to ask questions. "Does this have soy?" "Is it spicy?" "Does it have mushrooms?" Especially if you learn to ask in the language of the country you are traveling in (or at least try), I have noticed that most servers are extremely friendly about it. I have even had several servers try to help us find something, or tailor something a bit.
If all else fails, There's always McDonald's! They are pretty universal! But remember, even if you are a picky eater, push yourself to "try" - you don't have to commit to a full meal. You never know what new favorite you are about to discover!
Do you have a question or need some travel tips? Send us your questions, and the answer may be featured in an upcoming post!
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