We often focus on the implications of the negative. We can’t do this, we shouldn’t have that, we just had better not. Those with dietary restrictions are no stranger to this reductive sphere- they are relegated to small subsections of menus, a singular aisle in the supermarket, one specific item set aside at cookouts and dinner parties.

A quick shift in your frame of mind can turn dietary restrictions into culinary adventures. Stretch your imagination and use these tips as a springboard into tasty new adventures.

Expand Your Palette.
Dietary restrictions are a wonderful “excuse” to try new foods and flavors. A vegetarian or vegan in your party might draw you towards a meatless Indian buffet rich with exciting spices and textures. You might find yourself in a Korean barbeque restaurant sampling the incidentally gluten-free ribs, smoky with flavor. A taco truck serving fresh ingredients and bold taste could be your new go-to for those with a soy allergy. Whatever the restriction may be, let it serve as a reason to branch out and try something unique and unfamiliar.

Teach Yourself.
Just as trying new restaurants can be an absolute blast, learning to cook while staying sensitive to food allergies can be an exciting challenge. Nearly every traditional ingredient has a restriction-specific substitute that fares just as well. When you’re ready for dinner, search food blogs and videos curated to your taste and restriction and enjoy the hundreds of thousands of results ready to be made into an entree free of meat, nuts, dairy and more. Dessert need not be an exception- using almond flour rather than wheat presents a fun obstacle, just like using applesauce in place of eggs or coconut oil rather than butter. Be creative and something delicious will follow.

Seek the Secret Items.
There are specific grocery sections sanctioned for limited diets, but it will likely come as a surprise that many of our favorite snacks accidentally cater to common dietary restrictions. Vegans will boast with a smile that Oreos, Ritz crackers, Sour Patch Kids and Bisquick are all dairy-free. For those avoiding gluten, reach for Doritos, Clif Bars or Rice Chex. Items marketed towards avoidance are typically more expensive, so shop around for thriftier, lesser-known options.
Whether you suffer from an allergy, love someone who eats restrictively, or are just trying to eat healthier or better, do your best to focus on the possibilities rather than the limitations. Try a theme night, venture to a new restaurant, use new ingredients and taste new things. Think deliciously and enjoy the reward.