Dieting can be stressful if you are constantly worried about which foods you can and can't eat. Eating out while dieting can sometimes be a nightmare. However, eating out on a low carb diet is just the opposite. It is very easy to adapt food from almost any cuisine at any restaurant to suit a low carb way of eating.
Just remembering three things will keep you on track when you eat out:
1. Know what you can eat, and what to avoid!
2. Plan ahead!
3. Stick to your guns!
Eating low carb means you actually have a lot of flexibility with your diet. Knowing which foods to avoid makes it easier to eat out without trying to guess what is acceptable. Great choices to look for when eating out include meats that are not breaded or battered, vegetables, salads, and fish that is not battered. Potatoes are generally off the menu, but why not try extra veggies instead? Consider eating 'outside the box'. If you want a juicy burger, go ahead and have it, without the bun. Replace the fries with carrot sticks to round out your meal. Salads offer unlimited options, as almost any meats and vegetables can be thrown in, and many restaurants offer some type of salad on their menu. Steak and mixed vegetables are always a great choice, and tasty, too!
Perhaps the most overlooked key to successfully eating out on a low carb diet is planning ahead. This simple step can save a lot of stress and worry. You'll already know what you can eat, so the next step is finding out what is on offer at the place you want to eat at. Go online to view menus ahead of time. You can even call the restaurant and ask questions about food preparation and ingredients. This way, you will be armed with the info needed to make good food choices. This step eliminates the stress and worry over what you'll order once you arrive, so you will be able to focus on enjoying your meal!
The most important thing you can do when eating out low carb is to stick to it. Many are tempted by the bread basket, teased by the desert tray, and give in to the pressure to be 'normal'. Maybe you don't want to seem demanding. Whatever the reason, just remember, you deserve to feel healthy and be happy. If it helps, consider your low carb diet the same as anyone that requires a special diet for a medical condition. There will be some foods you just can't eat, but don't be afraid to ask for the ones you can!
With more people choosing to eat low carb, restaurants are adjusting many of their menu items to accommodate. There are lots of great options available if you want to eat out and enjoy low carb foods. Knowing what you can eat, planning ahead, and sticking to it will keep you on track with your low carb diet. Use these simple steps to enjoy eating out on a low carb diet anytime!
