For most people, there’s nothing better than going out for a meal with friends. However, this isn’t always the case for dysphagia sufferers. For these individuals, going out for a meal can be a daunting experience. While this may be true, this doesn’t mean they should avoid going out. There are several things dysphagia sufferers can do to reduce their anxiety about eating out, including the tips listed below:
1. Plan the Meal Ahead of Time
The first tip we can give you before eating out at a restaurant is to plan ahead. Planning the meal ahead of time can help to reduce stress and anxiety about what the experience will be like. As well as this, it can help increase your confidence that the restaurant you’ve picked is a good fit for you and your condition.
2. Call the Restaurant
It’s a good idea to call the restaurant at least a week before you arrive and let them know about your condition. Letting them know before you arrive can help ensure that it’s not a big deal in front of loved ones.
3. Read the Menu
Another great tip before you arrive at the restaurant is to read the menu. This will allow you to determine whether they have food suitable for you. If they do not, you may need to contact the restaurant to ask if they can make something you can consume. Most restaurants are willing to do this for their customers as long as they have plenty of notice, and the customer is polite.
4. Don’t Forget Your Thickeners
If you have dysphagia and want to enjoy a meal out, one of the best tips we can give you is to take your thickeners with you. This includes not only thickeners for food but also SimplyThick for beverages. However, you must contact the restaurant before you arrive to inform themthat you will be doing this.
5. Take Your Time
It can be tempting to try and eat at the same speed as others you are dining with, but this isn’t advisable if you have dysphagia. It may lead to you choking on your food. Instead, take it steady. Chances are other people in the group will be pleased that someone else is eating at a slower speed too.
6. Choose Good Company
Many dysphagia sufferers choose not to go out for a meal with family and friends because they worry that their friends and family will laugh at them. However, it’s important to remember that most people are not like this. If you want to go out for a meal, but you’re worried, try and choose people that like you for who you are and don’t care about your condition. These individuals will be much less likely to hurry you or make jokes at your expense.
Going out for a meal when you have dysphagia can be challenging. However, by following the advice above, you can rest in the knowledge that you’ve done everything possible to make your dining experience as safe and fun as possible.
