{Warning…this post is more general paleo based than being on a budget based!}
So I’m guessing most of you guys know I’m a wedding photographer… and at the last wedding as I was grabbing some food I was like.. Oh man I’ve never seen a post about being paleo and eating at a wedding.. WTF?! I mean it’s one of the hardest places to eat in my opinion. Why you might ask? Because you’re given such a select number of options, and you’re at the mercy of your hosts they’re isn’t any changing it when you get their and look at your plate, it’s a preset sorta order.. and what about those of you that opted for a meal pre-paleo, and the weddings coming up and now you’re stuck with it?!
Don’t worry, I’m here for you!
Let’s start with the easier of the two: Buffet
Yes, 9 times outta ten you’re going to be totally chill at a buffet, you’ll find some grub and you might have to take a bit extra meat to make up for everything else. But survey the buffet table before you dive in! If there’s a huge bowl of salad… before you take some look at what they have for dressing, if they’re isn’t anything like oil and vinegar, either ask if you could get some or skip over it… {I can’t do salad without dressing…so if you can then totally mac on it}. Then look at what exactly they have.. normally for buffets they’re going to have some sorta mixed veggie… if there are a few non-paleo veggies in their just work around it, but load up on those…
As for the meat / fish…. because I’m working at the wedding I like to load up on the best option for being paleo protein wise… Which is normally chicken. Yes I know most of the time it has some dairy involved, but I either scrape it off or enjoy the minimal amount… because lets face it I totally deserve it after being on my feet for what seems like years… Normally the beef is covered in some form of gravy.. .which normally has flour as a thickener.. so I steer clear.. Unless its basic steak or something. But anyhoo really take a peak and don’t be afraid to ask what things are made with! There should be servers around the buffet table to ask!
The harder of the two: Sit Down
Ahhh the dreaded sit down… Where you’re asked chicken or steak or fish. Lovely I know… You have no idea what’s coming to you…. nothing.
So here’s my rule of thumb, If you’re friends with the bride and groom give ’em a quick call and just ask what kind of chicken and beef it is or fish. For one of my up coming weddings, they asked chicken or Salmon? Normally I’d go for the chicken, but I casually was like “Oh so what kind of chicken did you both decide on?” And wouldn’t you know it was chicken parm.. yeah needless to say I’m doing the salmon. So don’t be shy about asking those sorts of questions. Also, if they’re you’re family.. and super tight you can ask if they’d make a small change to your plate and get rid of the rice or potato and add extra veggies.
Otherwise, don’t be afraid to ask your server if he’d kindly leave off the starch on your plate. Normally they’re more than happy to accommodate because you’re not asking for more you’re just asking for something to be omitted… easy easy for them! {You could run into a rock awesome server who is awesome enough to give you a few extra veggies too!}
During cocktail hour… If it’s a fresh veggie platter with some meats or there is some paleo-like stuff being passed around make sure you take advantage of it just in case you don’t actually get to eat as much as everyone else…
It’s also a Wedding… So enjoy yourself while you’re there.. If you end up eating something not overly paleo Do NOT beat yourself up over it! Just accept it and start fresh tomorrow… No one’s perfect when it comes to being paleo, just try your best, have fun… and Dance your butt off after you eat… you’ll A.) Have a blast and B.) Feel a wee bit less guilt because you’re totally working your cardio, hips, abs, legs, arms, shoulders while on said dance floor!
Great tips Liz!!!
I thought I’d be okay eating at a friend’s wedding last month….but how about the buffet options were caesar salad (already drenched in dressing) and tortellini or gnocchi. Pasta what?!? So I fished out the few meatballs that were with the gnocchi and filled up on that and champagne. 🙂
I hate it when the dressing is already on the salad! Ugg, it leaves no room to bat ones eyelashes at a waiter and some really dressing! But at least you pulled through awesome, and champagne is never a bad thing 😀