Sticking To A Keto Diet While Dining Out

Sticking to a diet can be tough, especially when you’re going out to eat. If you are on a keto diet, you know that it’s quite strict about what you can eat and drink. It’s even more important to stick to a diet like this since you always want to stay in ketosis to maximize weight loss, but that doesn’t mean that it is impossible to go to a restaurant with your friends. You just need to do some research and know what to order, and our keto restaurant guide can help with that!

Order it Grilled, not Fried

Many restaurants cook meat in a variety of ways. If you look at the menu and see chicken that’s fried and chicken that’s grilled, generally you should go for the grilled one. It’s usually healthier and won’t have breading, which many fried portions of meat do have. That will throw you off your diet in no time.

Avoid Bread

You know you’re supposed to avoid carbs, but it seems impossible at some places. How do you avoid a bun at the hamburger place or a tortilla at the taco truck?

Fortunately, as keto and other low-carb diets have risen in popularity, many restaurants have adjusted. Lots of places will offer you options without bread. Get a burger with a lettuce wrap instead of a high-carb bun. Opt for the burrito bowl instead of a burrito, tacos, or quesadilla. You’ll find that plenty of places offer a lower carbohydrate alternative if you just ask.

When in Doubt, Order Breakfast

If you’re somewhere that serves breakfast, you actually have a lot of options. Pancakes and french toast are obviously off the menu, but plenty of classic breakfast items are just fine. Eggs, bacon, and sausage are all great choices if you want to stick to your keto diet and get some protein.

Ask About the Sides

Most restaurants offer a variety of side dish options, even if the menu doesn’t outright say it. If your entree comes with fries or something that’s high in carbohydrates, you can probably ask for an alternative. Grilled veggies, a sweet potato, and other vegetable dishes can all provide a lot of nutrients and flavor, without compromising your diet.

Do Your Research

You can also save yourself a headache by doing some research ahead of time. Very few restaurants stick to only paper menus. They’ll post their menu online as well, hoping to attract customers who come across it and want to try what they have to offer.

If someone tells you that you’re going to a particular restaurant, find their website. Take a look at their menu and have some idea of what keto-friendly options they will have to offer. If you have questions about particular menu items, you can even call up and ask before you go. We’re sure that most eateries will have no problem answering a few questions about what they have to offer.

Eating Out on a Diet Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

If you want to learn more about healthy dining options near you, just visit the Organic Restaurants blog. We have more ideas for healthy eating and we can direct you towards organic eateries in your city.