EATING OUT ON KETO: HOW TO STAY LOW-CARB WHILE DINING OUT
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Time to read 12 min
You’re following the Keto lifestyle, everything is going great and you are feeling better than ever.
Socially eating out on keto hasn't entered your mind yet.
You have a lost a few pounds, and seem to get through the working day a lot easier when not having to deal with that old afternoon carb crash.
Then your best friend sends you a text to throw a spanner in the works…
“Fancy coming out for a meal or drink?”
Panic hits… Can I eat out while following the Keto Diet?
Keto when eating out can be difficult, so before you go and get filled with carbs and regret, we’re going to share with you our top tips on how to go out, be full to the brim with tasty low food, and even enjoy a keto friendly drink.
All while sticking to your keto lifestyle!
Table of content
So… Is Eating Out On Keto Possible? 9 Top Tips for Dining Out On Keto 7 Keto Meal Ideas - When Dining Out Fancy a Drink? Can I Drink Alcohol While On the Keto Diet? 4 Easy Keto Drink Ideas - When Dining Out What Should You Avoid On A Keto Diet When Eating Out? Staying Low Carb at Buffet Restaurants? Keto at a Friend’s or Relative’s Place Fast-food Restaurants on the Keto Diet How To Eat Out On The Keto Diet - The Bottom Line
So… Is Eating Out On Keto Possible?
Yes, you can eat out on a keto diet! With a little planning and some smart choices, you can enjoy a delicious meal while sticking to your low-carb and keto goals.
Eating out on keto doesn't need to be a disaster, you just need to be prepared and have a strong will!
If it’s up to you to choose which restaurant or pub you are planning on visiting with your friends, that's great! Choose something that has a lot of protein and veggie options.
You’re looking for something with plenty of protein on the menu. Italian, French, American or Greek… even an unlikely Indian restaurant offers a dry chicken or Kebab style dish.
Avoid restaurants with foods that are high in carbs like bread, pasta, rice, and sugary desserts.
That means no Pizza or Chinese! Sorry!
These foods can add unnecessary carbs to your meal and kick you out of ketosis.
9 Top Tips for Dining Out On Keto
Finding keto restaurants where you can stay low carb is not an easy task, and the choices you make when you see one are equally as challenging!
Here are our 9 top tips for eating out on keto or low-carb diet:
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Stick to simple dishes that contain protein, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats.
When dining out, choose simple dishes that contain protein, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats. This will help you stay on track with your keto or low-carb diet.
Meat plates on the ‘starter’ menu are ideal for the Keto diet. Just avoid the accompanying breads or crackers.
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Avoid added sticky sweet sauces and salad dressings on your food.
Many sauces and salad dressings contain added sugars and other ingredients that can add unnecessary carbs to your meal.
Stick to simple dressings like olive oil and vinegar or ask for sauces on the side so you can control how much you use.
3. Opt for grilled or baked food instead of fried
Stay clear of anything that is “breaded” or “fried” as it’s usually coated in carbs. Choose grilled or baked options instead to keep your carb intake low. Chicken, Steak and Fish are all Keto friendly.
Most restaurants will serve a high protein option… once again watch out for the glaze or sauce, if unsure ask for it to come separately.
4. Stay clear of sugary drinks
Sugary drinks like soda and juice can add a lot of carbs to your meal. Stick to water, unsweetened tea, or other low-carb options. Please be aware of health issues becoming more apparent from using low-sugar drinks with artificial sweeteners:
A Recent Study has shown that low/no sugar soft drinks can have a negative effect on energy regulation.
Another study showed ingesting sucralose may even interfere with the consumer's hormonal responses.
You won't find any artificial sweeteners in our range of Keto Snacks!
5. You can have a starter!
Prawn and avocado salads, beef salads, and chicken skewers are all good starter options.
Just be mindful of the dressings used, ask to swap for olive oil and lemon… you don’t want to increase your carbs for a sneaky dressing!!
6. BYOD- Bring Your Own Dessert
We have your back!.
Now not many restaurants will have a Keto friendly dessert…. Unless you want a plate of cream…
Our Keto Bars & Cookies are 100% Natural and can stave off the need for a carb-heavy dessert.
So pop a Keto bar in your pocket to stave off any unwanted Tiramisu or Profiterole cravings.
7. Ask your waiter about the ingredients
Don’t be afraid to ask your waiter about the ingredients in a dish. They can help you make informed choices and avoid hidden carbs. They may have 'inside knowledge' on how meals are prepared and will be happy to help.
8. Something On The Side?
Go through the menu and look at the side dish options and pick two sides that are Keto friendly.
Vegtables on Keto are super important. You need all that lovely fibre! Green veg, creamed spinach, cauliflower cheese (although check with the restaurant for the ingredients) or salad undressed is always a safe bet and can add a bit of extra colour and flavour to your dish.
If the restaurant doesn’t have any keto-friendly entrees on the menu, consider creating your own meal from a la carte sides. Choose options like grilled vegetables, salad, and protein to build a satisfying meal.
9. Ask For Extra Butter or Oil
Don’t be afraid to ask for extra butter or oil so you can drizzle it on top of your protein and veggies. This will help you get full so you don’t experience food envy when your partner orders a plate of chips or garlic bread.
"Stay strong, and remember why you’re eating a Keto diet"
If your meal doesn’t contain enough healthy fat, consider adding a side of avocado or olives to boost your fat intake. Remember to always keep your fat intake high whilst following the keto diet.
70 to 80% of your calories should be coming from fat!
7 Keto Meal Ideas - When Dining Out
Here are seven easy keto meal ideas for when you’re dining out.
Wether you are going out to a fancy restuarant, or down to try out Keto at your local Wetherspoons, you should be able to get one of these keto-friendly meals in pretty much any restaurant:
- Grilled chicken or fish with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad (hold the croutons and dressing with added sugars).
- Steak or burger (without the bun) with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad (hold the potatoes and other starchy sides).
- Cobb salad with grilled chicken, avocado, bacon, and hard-boiled eggs (hold the croutons and dressing with added sugars).
- Grilled or roasted vegetables with a side of protein (such as shrimp, chicken, or steak).
- Sashimi or sushi rolls made with cucumber or seaweed wraps instead of rice.
- Omelette with spinach, mushrooms, and cheese.
- Baked salmon with a side of roasted asparagus or brussels sprouts.
Fancy a Drink? Can I Drink Alcohol While On the Keto Diet?
Having a drink (or two) is all part of the “going out” experience. But when drinking alcohol on keto, you have to make smart choices to maintain ketosis.
Keto doesn’t mean T-Total! You can absolutely drink alcohol while on a ketogenic diet!
Here’s how:
Beer:
The number of breweries releasing low-sugar or low-calorie versions of their beers is increasing. The problem with beer is that sugar is a key part of the brewing process. Without sugar, you can't ferment beer!
Even the lowest-sugar beer available today (Miller Lite: 3.2 grams of carbs) will disrupt a keto diet after a few bottles.
Wine and Champagne:
Go for the dry red or white. Dry equals less carbs.. sweet.. well it’s in the name! And if you’re up for something fancy you’ll be glad to know Champagne and Prosecco are both keto friendly.
Spirits:
Watch out for the ones which contain umbrellas and sparklers.. Cocktails often contain syrups.. a big keto no no.. also no tonic.. yes it sounds healthy but contains plenty of sugar.
4 Easy Keto Drink Ideas - When Dining Out
It's important to drink alcohol in moderation while following a ketogenic diet, as it can slow down weight loss and affect ketone production. Also, be mindful of the calorie content in alcoholic beverages, as they can add up quickly.
Ask for one of the drinks below, and you should be able to enjoy a few drinks while staying in ketosis:
- Gin with soda and lime
- Vodka with soda and lemon juice
- Rum with soda water, lime juice, and mint
- Straight whiskey Scottish style
- Tequila and soda water with a splash of lime juice
- Dry red or white wine (in moderation)
- Champagne or sparkling wine (in moderation)
- Light beer or low-carb beer (check nutrition labels)
- Hard seltzers made with natural flavors and no added sugars
- Spiked seltzers with natural flavors and low-carb ingredients
- Low-carb or keto-friendly cocktails made with sugar-free mixers and garnishes, such as a sugar-free margarita or a gin and sugar-free tonic with berries.
Remember, while in ketosis your body processes energy in a different way.
Drinking alcohol while in ketosis may have a more potent effect on the body than it normally would, so take it slow!
What Should You Avoid On A Keto Diet When Eating Out?
When eating out on a keto diet, it's easy to know sugary desserts and drinks are going to kick you out of ketosis. But what else should you avoid?
Condiments
Many condiments like ketchup and barbecue sauce contain added sugars that can add unnecessary carbs to your meal.
Stick to simple dressings like olive oil and vinegar or ask for sauces on the side so you can control how much you use.
Some Mayonnaise brands are keto friendly, however, be aware that any ‘light’ or ‘low fat’ version could have added carbs. Make sure to check that it is full fat.
Bread Baskets
Come on.... Bread baskets? Really?
Bread baskets are often served before the meal and can be tempting to snack on while you wait for your food.
However, if you are truly serious about living the keto lifestyle, you are going to have to say bye-bye to bread.
Everyone and their mothers know that Bread is high in carbs.
It’s best to avoid bread altogether if you’re following a keto diet.
Stay strong. Everyone loves bread. It just doesn’t fit the keto lifestyle.
non keto-friendly bread basket
Sugary Beverages
Sugary beverages like soda and juice are an obvious no-no. They add a lot of sugar and carbs to your meal.
Stick to water or other low-sugar options. And be aware of those artificial sweeteners!
Dessert
Desserts are often high in carbs and sugar so it’s best to avoid them if you’re following a keto diet.
Grab one of our tasty keto snacks instead!
Complimentary Peppermints or Candy
No! Just no.
Complimentary peppermints or candy may seem like a small treat but they can seriously effect your keto status. They’re pure sugar! A surefire way to remove yourself from ketosis!
Staying Low Carb at Buffet Restaurants?
Dodging Stodge will be your main goal for surviving the sitting with your ketosis status in check!
Eating at a buffet restaurant can be a nightmare when you’re following a low-carb or keto diet.
Unlimited amounts of carby food? Brilliant!
Here are some tips to help you stay on track:
Set rules before leaving the table
Before you head up to the buffet, set some rules for yourself. Avoid any foods which are breaded, or have sauces you can't identify. Try filling your plate only once and avoid anything which isn't meat, fish, or vegetable.
Focus on fats, vegetables, and protein
When filling your plate at the buffet, focus on foods that are high in healthy fats, vegetables, and protein.
Avoid starchy foods like bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes.
Don’t overfill your plate
It can be tempting to overfill your plate at a buffet but this can lead to overeating.
Take smaller portions and go back for seconds if you’re still hungry after 10-20 minutes.
Take your time
Take your time when eating at a buffet. Chew your food slowly and enjoy each bite. This will help you feel satisfied with less food. Drink water with every few bites!
Keto at a Friend’s or Relative’s Place
Eating at a friend’s or relative’s place can be both embarrassing and awkward when you’re following a low-carb or keto diet.
No one wants to be the picky eater that is eating something different from everyone else. However, if you are dedicated to the Keto lifestyle, your friends will surely be aware of your eating habits.
Here are some tips to help you stay on track:
Communicate as needed
Don’t be afraid to communicate your dietary needs to your host. They may be able to accommodate you with some simple changes to the menu. Don't be embarrased, a good friend will understand and support you.
Take the edge off your hunger at home
If you’re worried about being hungry at your friend’s or relative’s place, have a small snack before you leave home. This will take the edge off your hunger and help you make better choices when you arrive.
Pick and choose you Food carefully
When it’s time to eat, pick and choose the foods that fit within your low-carb or keto diet. Avoid starchy foods like bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes. Don't feel like you need to clear the plate!
Bring a low-carb dish or snack
Consider bringing a low-carb dish to share with everyone. This will ensure that there’s something on the table that fits your dietary needs.
Or you could stick a couple of our Keto Bars or Keto Cookies in your purse or coat pocket, just in case you need them!
Fast-food Restaurants on the Keto Diet
Eating at fast-food restaurants can be challenging when you’re following any type of diet, but can become even harder while following Keto.
Here are some tips to help you stay on track:
Delis, sub shops and bakery cafés
At delis, sub shops, and bakery cafés, look for options like salads or lettuce-wrapped sandwiches. Avoid bread and other starchy foods. Going into a bakery while on Keto is a form of torture that I would avoid!
Burger or chicken joint
At burger or chicken joints, choose grilled options instead of fried. Ask for a lettuce wrap instead of a bun or skip the bun altogether!
Skip the fries, and get a salad.
Indian
Indian restaurants are nearly as tough on Ketosis as Chinese restaurants!
Another rice-rich cuisine with carb-heavy sauces, Indian food can be tough to navigate.
Your best bet is to choose dishes that contain protein and vegetables like tandoori chicken or palak paneer.
Obviously, avoid rice and naan which are high in carbs.
Ask questions to your server, and try and explain your dietary limitations before ordering.
Asian
You are going to be really stuggling at Asian restaurants. With rice and sweet sauces filling out the menu, you may be in trouble walking into a Chinese restaurant while in Ketosis.
Try and choose dishes that contain protein and vegetables like stir-fries or curries. Avoid rice and noodles like the plague!
Mexican Restaurants
Mexican restaurants often have keto-friendly options like fajitas without the tortillas or taco salads without the shell.
At Mexican restaurants, choose fajitas without the tortillas or taco salads without the shell. Avoid rice and beans which are high in carbs.
Even healthy foods can have way too many carbs to enjoy on a Keto diet.
Beans are one of them!
Pizza
Ok, we get it, everyone loves Pizza! But like bread, it just doesn't work on the Keto diet.
There have been attempts at creating keto-friendly pizzas, but from my knowledge, no restaurant is currently selling them.
Your best option if you are going to a pizzeria while in ketosis is to combine some high-protein starters, and avoid the desserts!
Dominos is a No-go!
How To Eat Out On The Keto Diet - The Bottom Line
Eating out on a low-carb or keto diet is possible with a little planning and some smart choices.
Stick to simple dishes that contain protein, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats.
Avoid added sugars and starchy foods like bread, pasta, and rice.
Ask questions if you aren’t sure. The staff are there to help!
Most importantly, enjoy yourself!
Next time you are eating out on Keto, follow our advice and choose your food carefully.
In no time you will be sipping on your gin and soda, full-bellied, enjoying a keto-friendly night out!
SUZIE WALKER
Keto Collective Co-Founder & Naturopathic Nutritionist dipNT.CNM
Suzie has researched and reviewed the many health benefits of low-carb living. She co-founded The Keto Collective, a company that aims to make it easier to find whole food, great tasting, keto alternatives to their everyday favourites.
