Looking for a fast, easy meal but still want to stick to your keto diet? Keto has become one of the most popular diets in the last few years, and it’s easy to see why. The diet focuses on low carbs and low sugar but still permits tons of delicious options such as bacon, cheese, and butter.
For many, the ability to indulge in fats makes up for having to limit all of those delicious carbs. But, when ordering takeout or delivery from restaurants, keto can be a challenge.
Don't worry. You can still get a tasty, filling, keto-friendly meal when you order to-go or for delivery. Here's how.
Choose a Keto-Friendly Restaurant When Possible
The simplest way to stay on track is to stick with restaurants that you know are keto-friendly. Sticking to the same restaurants is easier, but what about when you want to be a bit more adventurous?
Look for restaurants that offer low-carb options. This could mean a pizza with a cauliflower crust, a no-bun burger, or options from a “light menu.” These types of places are likely to offer more options and be willing to substitute carbs upon request.
Build-your-own style restaurants, such as some pizzerias or Mongolian BBQs, can also be easier for the keto crowd. But, what happens when you can't go to a well-known favorite or scope out the restaurant beforehand? Here are a few ways to stay on the keto bandwagon.
Hold the Bun
Most meals can be keto-fied by just holding the bread. In fact, a burger without a bun is a keto staple. But you can also order a Reuben with no bread, a chicken melt with no bun and extra veggies, or an omelet with no toast. Think beyond the basics: A veggie wrap with no wrap or a chicken salad sandwich with no bread can make a tasty main course. Add a side salad, and you've got a keto-friendly meal!
Don't Forget the Sauces
When ordering keto, many dieters forget about the carb content in sauces. Just one tablespoon of BBQ sauce, for example, can have 7 to 10 grams of carbs. Instead, ask for a basic vinaigrette, pesto, or tzatziki-based sauce and avoid sugary sauces such as ketchup or raspberry compote.
Swap the Fries
Once you've ditched the bun, it's time to tackle the fries. Most fast food and takeout places give out french fries like candy. Instead of fries, ask to swap for carrots and celery, a side salad, coleslaw, or steamed broccoli.
Want to make your side order even tastier? Top it with cheese or hot sauce for a keto-friendly option that tastes good, too.
Double Up on the Meat (and Cheese!)
It's easy to feel like the world is built for carb lovers. This can be frustrating when your keto-friendly chicken tender basket turns out to be a few sad grilled tenders. Don't be afraid to ask for swaps and additions to keep your meal keto and delicious.
Make that bunless burger a double, then add bacon. Top those sad grilled tenders with bacon and cheese and don't forget to ask for extra butter.
Top It Up
Taking away the bread can leave many fast food meals a bit lacking. To make sure you are satisfied, look for toppings that add calories and flavor such as sliced avocado, extra grilled peppers and onions and, of course, bacon and cheese.
Get Creative!
Sometimes it takes a bit of creativity to keep your keto meals gratifying. For example, at an Italian restaurant, ask for a bowl of their spaghetti sauce (hold the noodles!) topped with grilled onions and peppers, and then eat it like soup.
Or, order several starters and sides together to make a meal. For example, order chicken wings and a side salad or cup of soup, steamed broccoli, and grilled chicken.
Toppings such as cheese sauce, extra cheese, guacamole, ranch, and hot sauces can add a ton of flavor with little to no carbs.
Above All: Be Courteous
Most restaurants are more than happy to adjust meals to fit your dietary needs. Still, it can take longer to place your order, especially if you have to ask questions about certain toppings or sauces. Being courteous and kind to the staff can go a long way when placing a complex order.
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