Carb counters, such as those on the Atkins diet, know firsthand what it's like to be surrounded by processed food and refined carbs. This is especially true in restaurants, where sugar and flour seem an indispensable part of every recipe. Still, there are ways to achieve eating out success while still watching your carbs. It just takes willingness to look outside the box---or menu in this case.
Step 1
Order your meats grilled or broiled. Frying usually involves batters or breading, while methods such as braising or baking can involve sauces and gravies that are high in carbs.
Step 2
Get an extra side of vegetables instead of a starches such as rice or potatoes. According to atkins.com, steamed vegetables such as broccoli and greens are low in carbs and high in nutrients.
Step 3
Go for the salad. Salads are traditionally low carb when filled with vegetables and greens. Ask for everything on the side. Croutons, some salad dressings and some nut and grain toppings can make the carb count of your salad go up quickly. Asking for these items on the side allows you to pick and choose what actually makes it into your salad.
Step 4
Ask to have sandwiches served in lettuce leaves rather than on bread or buns. According to Diabetes Daily, many fast food restaurants will serve your meal this way, saving you as many as 60 grams of carbohydrates.
Step 5
Choose restaurants that have specifically low-carb menu options. Some restaurants cater to the low carb crowd, adding low carb items to their menus and tailoring higher carb items to meet low carb needs. Call in advance to make sure the restaurant you choose has something you'll enjoy eating.
Step 6
Choose a chicken breast, a side salad and steamed vegetables if in doubt. These items are generally safe for low carb dieters and are common restaurant items.
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