JADED ISSUE #7

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Let’s talk about how you can eat out and not freak out.

For some, eating out feels like the ultimate treat. Or just another casual meal. For others, it feels like walking into a tornado. And honestly? Both are valid. Because eating out can be complicated for many reasons. Maybe you don’t feel in control of the ingredients or the portions. Maybe you’ve got dietary restrictions, allergies, or health concerns. Maybe it’s the hidden calories, oils, or sodium. Or maybe it’s the social pressure (this is a big one). Worrying about being judged for your choices, feeling “picky,” or stressed about the bill at the end of the night.

Or maybe it’s not about food at all. Maybe it’s anxiety, old fear patterns, or that devil on your shoulder that whispers: “You can’t handle this.” (been there before)

The truth is: eating out is a part of life. It’s how we socialize, vibe, and connect. It’s dates, birthdays, girls’ nights, random Tuesdays when nobody wants to cook. You don’t get to opt out of it forever. So let’s stop letting the food on the plate be another monster under the bed. It’s just food. It’s meant to be enjoyed, not feared.

Lets get into the tips shall we…

Tip One: Eat Like a Human, Not a Robot

Don’t skip meals all day to “save up” for dinner. That’s not discipline, that’s a trap. You’ll walk into the restaurant starving, and then what? You’ll inhale bread like you’ve never seen carbs before, end up stuffed, and then spiral because “you lost control.” See how that goes? Eat like you normally would. Arrive hungry, not starving. There’s a difference.

Tip Two: Take Back Control of the Plate

Restaurant portions? Extra. Not bad, just more than usual. Grab a side plate, scoop the amount you actually want, and chill. If you want more, go back. Nobody’s taking your food hostage. The plate doesn’t get to boss you around — you get to boss the plate around.

Tip Three: Joy Meets Inner Wisdom

This is where intuition meets reality. Listen to your inner cues (what sounds good, what excites you) and your outer cues (how your body reacts, what fuels you best). Balance both.

So maybe the pasta looks like heaven, but you know gluten wrecks your stomach. Only you can decide: is the joy worth it tonight, or is tomorrow’s stomachache not worth it? Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes no. That’s not weakness, that’s wisdom.

The Mind Game

Eating out isn’t just about food. It’s about the night. The vibe. The conversation. The outfit that makes you feel hot. The fact that you’re out living life instead of scrolling at home.

The food is one part of it, not the whole entire event. Stop giving it the spotlight.

And a little style PSA: if you know you’re gonna obsess about bloating in that skin-tight dress, wear something that doesn’t make you miserable. You’re allowed to be cute and comfortable. Nothing kills the night faster than holding your stomach in at the table.

Can we normalize this once and for all? BLOATING IS NORMAL. I wish I could scream that louder. After you eat, your stomach expands because ……wait for it…. your body is literally digesting food. That’s not “failure,” that’s biology. That’s your body doing its job.

We have to stop acting like a flat stomach after a meal is some kind of achievement. It’s not. If you’re bloated, congrats!!! your digestive system is alive and well!!!!!

So please, for the love of your sanity, stop punishing yourself for being human. Eat, enjoy, and if your stomach expands a little? That’s called living.

If it calms your nerves, check the menu before. Cool. But also you’re allowed to change your mind when you get there. You’re not signing a contract with your appetizer.

Release the Perfection

Perfection isn’t real. One meal will not ruin your body, undo your progress, or suddenly make your skin break out. That’s not how it works. Stop giving one dinner so much damn power.

Instead, flip it: see eating out as practice. Practice in trust. Practice in joy. Practice in being present. Bless the food, thank your body, and actually enjoy the moment. Because fear? Fear is boring. Fear steals joy. Fear doesn’t deserve a seat at your table.

So the next time you’re sitting there with the menu in one hand and anxiety in the other….remind yourself: this is about the experience.

The memories.

The laughter.

The night you’ll actually remember.

The good date. (or maybe the bad) (happens)

The food is just the side dish.

Ok now go enjoy your night…

xoxo

Olivia Jade