How to Eat Out and Count Carbs

How to Eat Out and Count Carbs
Photo Credit restaurant image by Dmitry Nikolaev from Fotolia.com

When keeping track of your carbohydrate intake, it is important to be prepared for unusual situations such as dining out. More often than not, restaurants offer food that is not only high in carbohydrates, but also high in refined carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates are those that have been processed and striped for easier cooking, such as white flour and refined sugar. Plot a series of steps to prepare for an outing, and stay within the guidelines of your diet.

Eating Out With Carbs

Step 1

Choose a restaurant with healthy food options, such as salad, whole-wheat pasta or lean meat.

Step 2

Contact the restaurant in advance via phone or e-mail to get a copy of the menu or ask about nutrition facts.

Step 3

Find a meal that is either low in carbs or can be altered to accommodate your diet. For example, ask if you can use lettuce leaves rather than a refined flour wrap, or eggplant slices instead of sandwich bread and buns.

Step 4

Ask how many portions you are being served. Record the number of carbohydrates you consumed, according to your portions, in your journal.

Step 5

Avoid the bread or crackers before your meal, or ask for whole-wheat options.

Step 6

Prevent cravings by drinking water during your meal to ease your hunger.

Step 7

Record the food option your chose in your journal and the location of the restaurant, for future reference.

Article reviewed by Will McCahill Last updated on: Sep 27, 2010

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