Tips for Making Keto Choices at Restaurants

Research the Restaurant Beforehand

Researching the restaurant beforehand is a crucial step in maintaining a keto diet while eating out. By doing some pre-planning, you can avoid the temptation of ordering something that is not keto-friendly and ensure that you make healthier choices.

One way to research a restaurant before going is by looking up the menu online. Many restaurants now have their menus available on their websites, which makes it easier to determine what options are available. Look for dishes that are rich in protein, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables, as these are more likely to be keto-friendly. You can also search for keywords such as "low-carb," "keto," or "paleo" to help narrow down the options.

Another tip is to check for keto-friendly options on the menu. Some restaurants have a section on their menu specifically for low-carb or keto-friendly meals. This can save you time and make it easier to choose a meal that aligns with your dietary needs.

Consider calling the restaurant ahead of time to ask about their keto options. This can help you to clarify any questions or concerns you may have about the menu and ensure that the restaurant can accommodate your dietary needs.

Researching the restaurant beforehand can help you to make informed choices and stay on track with your keto diet while eating out. By doing a little bit of pre-planning, you can enjoy a meal at a restaurant without compromising your health goals.

Stick to Protein and Veggies

When it comes to maintaining a keto diet while eating out, sticking to protein and veggies is an essential strategy. These food groups are low in carbs, high in nutrients, and can help you feel full and satisfied.

When choosing protein options, it's best to avoid breaded and fried items as these can be high in carbs. Opt for grilled, baked, or roasted meats instead. Steak, chicken, fish, and shrimp are all excellent choices for keto-friendly protein.

As for veggies, it's essential to choose non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, asparagus, and spinach. These veggies are low in carbs and high in fiber, making them an excellent addition to your meal. Be sure to avoid starchy veggies like potatoes, corn, and peas, as these can quickly add up your carb count.

To ensure that your meal is well-balanced, it's a good idea to ask for a side salad or vegetable dish to accompany your protein. This can help you to feel more satisfied while ensuring that you are getting enough nutrients in your meal.

By sticking to protein and veggies, you can ensure that your meal is keto-friendly while still being satisfying and nutritious. Remember to choose lean protein options and non-starchy veggies to stay within your carb limit.

Watch Out for Hidden Carbs

Watching out for hidden carbs is crucial when maintaining a keto diet while eating out. Many restaurant dishes may seem keto-friendly, but they may contain hidden carbs that can quickly add up and kick you out of ketosis. Here are some tips for avoiding hidden carbs:

Be cautious of sauces and dressings - Many sauces and dressings contain added sugar or high-carb ingredients such as honey or maple syrup. Ask for dressings and sauces on the side, so you can control the amount you consume, or opt for keto-friendly options like olive oil and vinegar.
Check for added sugars - Some restaurant dishes, such as marinades or glazes, may contain added sugars that can quickly add up. It's always a good idea to ask your server if any dishes contain added sugars or sweeteners.
Avoid carb-heavy sides and appetizers - Many restaurant sides and appetizers can be high in carbs, such as bread, rice, or fries. Opt for non-starchy vegetable sides or skip the appetizers altogether.
Beware of hidden ingredients - Some dishes may contain hidden ingredients like flour or breadcrumbs that can quickly add up your carb count. Be sure to ask your server if any dishes contain these ingredients, and if possible, ask for them to be removed or substituted.

It's essential to be mindful of hidden carbs when eating out on a keto diet. By being cautious of sauces, dressings, added sugars, carb-heavy sides, and hidden ingredients, you can make healthier choices and stay within your carb limit.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Modifications

Don't be afraid to ask for modifications when maintaining a keto diet while eating out. Many restaurants are willing to accommodate dietary needs and can make modifications to their dishes to make them more keto-friendly.

Some modifications you can request include:

Substituting carb-heavy sides - Ask for non-starchy veggies or a side salad instead of carb-heavy sides like fries or bread.
Skipping the bun or bread - Ask for your burger or sandwich to be served without the bun or bread.
Removing high-carb ingredients - Ask for dishes to be served without high-carb ingredients like croutons, breading, or sauces with added sugars.
Adding healthy fats - Ask for dishes to be served with extra olive oil, avocado, or nuts to increase the healthy fat content.
Customizing dishes - Some restaurants may be willing to customize dishes to meet your dietary needs. Don't be afraid to ask your server if they can make any modifications to a dish to make it more keto-friendly.

By asking for modifications, you can ensure that your meal aligns with your dietary needs and stays within your carb limit. Don't hesitate to communicate your dietary needs with your server and ask for modifications when needed.

Stay Hydrated and Avoid Sugary Drinks

Many restaurant drinks can be high in sugar and carbs, which can quickly add up and kick you out of ketosis. Here are some tips for staying hydrated and avoiding sugary drinks:

Opt for water - Water is always the best option when it comes to hydration, and it's keto-friendly too. Ask for a glass of water with your meal and make sure to drink enough to stay hydrated.
Avoid sweetened drinks - Many restaurant drinks like soda, sweet tea, and lemonade can be high in sugar and carbs. Opt for unsweetened tea, sparkling water, or diet soda instead.
Ask for modifications - If you're craving a specific drink that's high in sugar, ask your server if they can make modifications to make it more keto-friendly. For example, ask for a sugar-free syrup in your latte or a diet mixer in your cocktail.
Stay away from alcohol - Alcohol can be high in carbs and can quickly kick you out of ketosis. If you choose to drink, opt for lower-carb options like wine or spirits mixed with sugar-free mixers.

Staying hydrated and avoiding sugary drinks is essential for maintaining a keto diet while eating out. Opt for water, unsweetened drinks, or ask for modifications when needed, and stay away from high-carb drinks like soda and sweet tea.

In summary, maintaining a keto diet while eating out can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it's possible to make healthy choices and stay within your carb limit. By researching the restaurant beforehand, sticking to protein and veggies, watching out for hidden carbs, asking for modifications, and staying hydrated, you can make healthier choices and stick to your dietary needs. Don't be afraid to communicate with your server and ask for modifications or substitutions to make your meal more keto-friendly. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy eating out while maintaining a keto diet and staying on track with your health goals.