LOCAL
GUIDE to eating out in ATX
by: Crystal Nelson Eating out doesn’t have to be a nightmare and derail you from your nutritious eating habits when living in Austin, Texas. We are lucky to live in a health conscious city that thrives on local, organic produce with restaurants that want to please those in the community who desire fresh, simple dishes. Whether you are looking for something on the go, a laid-back hangout spot, or a fancy dinner, Austin can accommodate what you are looking for. This month we are featuring a few restaurants that have stood out to us in the CrossFit community because of their menu options, flexibility with their dishes, and the focus on local, organic and sustainable food. Throughout this guide you will find better choices and some treats (like gluten free French toast). Keep in mind, just because it’s gluten free doesn’t mean it is a nutritious choice. Example – you can buy gluten free cookies but it doesn’t mean you need to eat these every day. As a treat, this is a better choice than say, double dipped cookies crushed into chocolate ice cream and served on top of birthday cake.
Top 5 Tips When Eating Out:
1. Research the restaurant. Check out their website or get a referral or recommendation from a friend. 2. Ask for gluten free menu - this is mainly so you can avoid sauces that might include things like soy. 3. Pick your protein first and build your vegetables around your protein. Sub out anything that is not a nutritious choice. 4. Ask your waiter if there is anything not listed in the ingredients or ask for a description of choices. 5. If bread comes to the table, send it back or order a small starter salad instead. Sub out chips for sliced zucchini or carrots. 10