The Low Carb Diet & Eating Out

When eating out, you have less control over your serving size, how the food is prepared and what it is served with. Following a low-carb diet can make ordering a little more complicated, but not impossible. Many restaurants have their menus online, so have a look beforehand and be prepared. Don't be afraid to ask about what is in their dishes; ask for substitutions to make a meal better for your low-carb diet. If the waiter brings a bread basket, ask him to take it back.

Grill

Grills are an easy type of restaurants to go to. Whether you order steak or grilled chicken, ask the waiter to replace the French fries or mashed potatoes with vegetables or a salad, minus the croutons, if possible.

Asian

With Asian foods, the main sources of carbs are rice, noodles, fried dough and sweet sauces. Avoid egg rolls, spring rolls, wontons and sweet and sour sauces. Stay away from menu items containing these ingredients. Ask the waiter to serve your dish, whether it is shrimp, chicken, pork or beef, with more vegetables and omit the rice or noodles.

Italian

Italian restaurants can be tricky. Most of their dishes are loaded with carbs, especially when it comes to pizzas and pastas. Look for dishes in other sections of the menu. Any entree based on fish, chicken, veal or beef can make a good low-carb meal. Just ask the waiter to replace the side dish with a low-carb option, such as vegetables or a salad. Look at the salad section of the menu -- you are likely to find many good low-carb meal options.

Mexican

Nachos, tortillas, enchiladas, quesadillas and tamales are all very high in carbohydrates and are not suitable for a low-carb diet. Stick to dishes that are based on nonstarchy vegetables -- such as avocado, onions, tomatoes, bell pepper and chilis -- and protein -- whether it is pork, chicken, fish or seafood. Salads and soups are good choices. You can also ask for the mixture served inside a fajita, tortilla or quesadilla, but without the tortilla. If changing the menu item seems too complicated for the restaurant, ask for the regular menu item and simply toss the carbs once you receive your plate.

Fast Food

Fast-food restaurants may sometimes be your only option if you are in a hurry and haven't prepared your low-carb lunch in advance. In this case, order a salad. You can also order one or two burgers, but eat them without the bun and skip the fries and sugar-laden soft drinks. Avoid chicken nuggets and other breaded items.