Eating Out: Tips to Avoid Stomach Issues

When dining out, the goal is to leave satisfied—not unwell.

A TikTok user, Julia Bestz, shared a cautionary tale about how to avoid discomfort from food, particularly when influenced by a restaurant owner’s friend. Her video has garnered over 375,000 views.

In her post, she recounted a conversation that took place late one night at a restaurant. The friend of the owner shared a few critical dining tips that took her by surprise. Initially, she thought it was a joke, given the serious tone he took.

The first tip? Be wary of daily specials that lack clear seasonal ingredients. While they may sound appealing, they often indicate items that need to be sold quickly. Essentially, they can be yesterday’s leftover ingredients that are artfully disguised.

She also learned about seafood options at restaurants not situated near the coast. If the restaurant doesn’t have a reputation for fresh, daily deliveries, you’re risking foodborne illness, especially with shellfish.

Another surprising point was about ice. In busy bars, ice-making machines may not be cleaned regularly, potentially turning your refreshing drink into a breeding ground for germs. It definitely made her rethink that casual summer cocktail.

Lastly, she warned against buffets and all-you-can-eat options. If the food isn’t kept at a safe temperature, it can facilitate bacterial growth. Many restaurants don’t consistently monitor the temperature of their food. You might not notice the hidden risks, but the effects could hit you soon after.

For a little extra security when dining out, simply ask one key question: “Is that fresh?” If the answer isn’t a confident “yes,” it might be wiser to skip it.

Food Safety Insights

Ordering seafood far from the shore carries certain risks. Experts point out that unless it’s from a well-known source with reliable storage practices, it’s a gamble.

Buffets can often be particular trouble spots if proper food safety measures aren’t followed closely. Again, a moment of hesitation could save you a lot of discomfort later.

Here’s another surprising tidbit: drinks can have hidden dangers too. If ice machines aren’t well maintained, it can turn your chilled beverage into something more hazardous.

Moreover, the psychology behind how restaurants design their menus also plays a part in your dining experience. People usually decide on dishes quickly—within 90 seconds on average. Restaurants often craft their menus to exploit this tendency, placing items and prices in a way that influences how diners think about what they’re ordering.

So next time you find yourself in a restaurant, keep these insights in mind. It could make all the difference between a satisfying meal and an uncomfortable experience.