Dining out can be tricky when you adhere to a primal diet, what with all of the processed, nutrient-deprived food that is available. But have no fear! There are plenty of alternatives – if you know where to look. To make it easier for you, we have included a list of some of the best primal diet-friendly options at some of the most popular North American restaurants. Read on to discover how you can still indulge in restaurant fare without compromising your primal diet!
1) Satisfy Your Primal Diet Cravings at Top North American Restaurants
If you’re looking for places to satisfy your primal diet cravings, North America hosts a wide range of amazing restaurants to explore. Here is a list of some of our top recommendations:
- Forge Pizza – located in Toronto, Forge Pizza serves a variety of thin-crust pizzas with vegan-friendly, locally-sourced ingredients like kale, artichoke, and even cashew cheese. The menu also includes options like paleo and dairy-free dishes.
- The Health Nut – Located in the heart of Los Angeles, The Health Nut offers a full primal menu with an emphasis fresh, organic ingredients, that change seasonally. With paleo and vegan options, you will never be short of delicious options.
- Cafe Northstar – A cornerstone in San Francisco, Cafe Northstar is a great spot for primal eater with full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Most notable is their dinner menu featuring dishes made with grass-fed and organic meats, seasonal vegetables, and fresh herbs and spices.
- Smith Street Kitchen – this eatery located in Vancouver provides a menu that focuses on locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients that will not only please your primal diet needs but also tickle your taste buds.
From rustic pizzas to healthy and hearty dishes, these restaurants will help you satisfy your primal diet cravings, and you’ll be pleased with the variety of flavors you get to experience on your North American culinary tour!
One other great thing about all these restaurants is their commitment to delicious flavors while also being respectful of your dietary needs – so you can enjoy yourself while sticking to your dietary rules. These restaurants also offer gluten-free and dairy-free options, so dietary restrictions won’t leave you stranded.
Whether these restaurants are part of a larger culinary journey or you’re exploring the local culinary scene, there’s something for everyone when you satisfy your primal diet cravings at one of North America’s top restaurants.
2) Uncovering Obscure Primal Diet Options in the USA and Canada
Searching for the most obscure primal diet options across the USA and Canada can be a daunting task. With supermarkets stocked to the brim with processed and refined convenience foods, tracking down seasonally available organic produce and groceries is both time consuming and expensive. But with a little creativity and resourcefulness, it’s entirely possible to find nourishing eats that adhere to the strictest of dietary codes.
Farm Gate Markets
Seeking out seasonal fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to adopt a primal diet. Many locations throughout the USA offer farm gate markets and CSA’s (Community-Supported Agriculture). Buying organic produce from local farmers and producers supports sustainable practices as well as ensuring that the food consumed is packed with vital nutrients.
High-Quality Meat Producers
In many cases, omega-rich meats contain fewer hormones and chemicals, as well as higher levels of vitamins and minerals. This is especially true of grass-fed beef, lamb, and poultry, which are now being farmed in certain states. Buying organic or grass-fed whole carcasses from local producers is the best way to guarantee a safe and nutritious meal.
Fish Markets
Fresh seafood from local providers is a pillar of the primal diet. Since fish farmers can often avoid the use of hormones, antibiotics, and other chemicals, opting for store-bought frozen options is rarely the best choice. A quick tour of local fish markets can introduce consumers to a whole new range of seafood selections. What’s more, the prices of fresh options are often much lower than their pre-packaged counterparts.
Health Food Stores
This is another great way to access primal diet options without having to take a road trip to the countryside. Health food stores stock organic and unprocessed foods, such as:
- Whole grains
- Nuts and seeds
- Organic produce
- Unprocessed oils
- Condiments and seasonings
These stores also offer sustenance-rich snacks and packaged meals in microwaveable portions for those on the go.
3) Dining Out the Primal Diet Way: Creative Eating Options
Getting Creative with Dining Out
Gone are the days of prehistoric cavemen, searching the steppe for something to eat. But while contemporary conveniences might make it easier to stay on track with the Primal diet while you’re in the comfort of your own kitchen, dining out often poses a challenge. It may feel like you can’t meet your dietary needs away from home—but never fear! Here are some creative ways to eat a Primal diet at restaurants and other eateries:
- Choose appetizers and low carb sides as your main entree
- Order dishes with lots of fat and vegetables
- Make creative substitutions, like swapping chips for stir fry
- Incorporate leftovers into another meal
- If you’re feeling ambitious, take a crack at paleo baking!
In many instances, a restaurant may be able to offer specialty dishes that fit with Primal eating if you simply inquire. Steak and eggs never tasted so good. Many establishments offer a variety of vegetable-centric items ranging from salads and steamed vegetables to quinoa-based dishes.
Oftentimes, it’s best to keep things simple. Look for proteins like fish, chicken, and steak on the menu and pair them with vegetables or a green salad. If you’re eating at a cafe, you can order an omelette with no-sugar-added sides. For breakfast-lovers, bacon, eggs, and potatoes make the perfect Primal meal.
Take some time to consider the restaurant’s signature dishes and ingredients, and don’t be afraid to ask questions! You can easily make adjustments to the menu to fit with the Primal diet, while being respectful of local cuisine and culture.
4) Top Tips for Primal Dieters When Choosing North American Restaurants
Adopting the Primal lifestyle doesn’t have to mean giving up eating out. With a bit of savvy and mindfulness, you can stay on track with your diet and enjoy al fresco dining too. Here are some top tips to help Primal dieters make the most of North American restaurants:
- Choose Local, Unprocessed Ingredients – the closer your meal is to the source, the more easily you can identify what’s going in it. Avoid items that come with processed ingredients like ketchup, BBQ sauce, salad dressings and the like.
- Go for Leafy Greens – a great way to get your greens in and ensure you’re not taking in anything you don’t want is to order side salads or veggie sides. Steamed, grilled or sautéed greens are always your safest bet.
- Educate Yourself – it’s a good idea to know what items are on most restaurant menus before you go out. Grant yourself some time to research what Primal-friendly options are available and start thinking in advance about what you want.
If you know that you want to stay away from starchy carbs and refined sugars, then you can choose to load up on proteins and healthy fats instead. You can request grilled meats, fish, or even some vegan-friendly ingredients like avocado, nuts, and oils. It’s a great idea to ask your server to keep calorie-rich condiments like mayonnaise off your plate.
By following the Primal Blueprint, you can be sure that your restaurant experience will be both healthy and enjoyable. So, the next time you head out for a meal with friends, keep these tips in mind and enjoy your primal-style dining!
When it comes to finding primal-friendly options at popular North American restaurants, your choices are only growing! With the right eye for detail and an open mind, it’s never been easier to enjoy a satisfying, nutritious, and primal-friendly meal and make your time away from home truly great. Bon appétit!
