How to Eat Out on a Low Carb Diet

Many restaurants now offer low-carb selections, but you will occasionally run across a menu with nothing for your low-carb diet. There are ways to eat low-carb in almost any restaurant. Follow these steps to make life easier when eating out on a low-carb diet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check out the restaurant website. Look to see if it has a menu to help you prepare in advance.

2. Have a good knowledge of the carbohydrate content of typical foods. Research before you go out or carry a carb counting book to help determine the approximate carb count of what you order.

3. Look for a low-carb section on the restaurant menu. Ask the server for low-carb meal suggestions. Most servers get menu questions often and know the food well; so don't be shy.

4. Order a big salad. Most restaurants offer big "meal salads" that include meats and cheeses in addition to the regular salad ingredients.

5. Find something on the menu that is low-carb, even if it is not advertised as low-carb. A steak, grilled chicken or fish can be paired with a side salad or other low carb veggies to make a great meal for your diet.

6. Ask for the meat only. Find a menu item, such as a hamburger or grilled chicken sandwich, and request it without the bread. Pair with a side salad or low-carb veggies such as green beans or broccoli.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't resist dessert, take a small bite of your table-mate's dessert.
• Have some wine with dinner to bring out the natural flavors in your meal. It may help you to eat slower and savor your food. Wine usually has fewer than two carbs per glass.
• Don't order a light salad dressing, it is usually higher in carbs than regular dressing.
• Tell the server not to bring the bread basket or chip bowl. If your table-mates really want one, sit as far away from it as possible.
• Don't order anything deep fried or covered in a sauce; it is likely to be high in carbs.

Resources

• Buy a carb counter book at Amazon.

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[admiller]

on 4/17/2009 Great strategies for maintaining a low carb diet while eating out.

[ljbinkop]

on 12/17/2008 I would only suggest that one lets their server know up front that you are on a special diet. Many servers, like myself, appreciate that information up front and can make suggestions accordingly.