Sticking to any diet is tough, and the hardest challenges often come when you’re going out to eat. If you’re following a strict keto diet, you have to take special precautions when you’re out at a restaurant, but with a little bit of research and some helpful tips from Organic Restaurants, you’ll be ready to find menu items you can enjoy without breaking your diet.

What is Keto?

Keto, short for ketogenic, is a specific diet that is designed to help you lose weight and get healthier. It’s low in carbohydrates and high in fat, so it’s not for everyone, but many dieters have found success with a keto lifestyle.

By reducing how many carbohydrates you consume, you put your body into a state known as “ketosis.” In ketosis, your body becomes better at burning fat for energy. This is how weight loss happens. There are different types of ketogenic diets, but they all share this same basic philosophy. Some keto dieters eat more protein, while others consume more carbs as long as workouts make up for it.

Some people begin a keto diet to fight back against diabetes, heart disease, and other ailments, so sticking to their diet is important even when they’re eating out.

What to Look For

You want to look for foods that are higher in protein and fat. This can include dishes with meat and fish or foods that contain nuts, eggs, and healthy oils. That means that there are many types of entrees you can order, but you do have to be careful about side dishes, toppings, and other items that might come with it.

Take a hamburger for example. The burger itself is probably fine for someone on a keto diet, but some common burger trimmings might not be. Even the bun could be a problem! Let’s take a look at what you might need to avoid.

What to Avoid

If you’re on a ketogenic diet, there are also some foods that you need to avoid. Most grains and starchy products, like bread, pasta, and cereals are out. If you’re having fruit, it has to be in very small portions. Certain types of beans and root vegetables, like chickpeas, kidney beans, and potatoes, should also be skipped. Also be careful with condiments, like barbecue sauce and ketchup, which are often high in sugar.

Some other obvious items to skip include any food or beverage that’s full of sugar. Sodas, fruit juices, and desserts can all throw off ketosis and set you back. “Diet” products are a no-go too since they often are low in fat.

What to Ask Your Server

If you’re on a keto diet, ask about side dishes and substitutions to see if you can make more keto-friendly decisions even when dining out. If fries are the side dish for steak you order, ask if there are other options available, like green veggies. See if you can order the burger without the bun. Ask about what condiments and toppings come on the sandwiches.

For More Healthy Eating Tips

If you want to learn more about healthy diets and keto-friendly restaurants, visit the Organic Restaurants website. We have plenty of information about local eateries and eating healthier.