4 of 10

Write now Article Tools

Eating out on a low carb diet is easier now than it use to be. However, it was always possible without much effort.

For people who don't cook much, eating out is easier than cooking while trying to maintain a low carb way of eating. A lot of people eventually start cooking more for themselves, mostly because it's cheaper than eating out at every meal.

Restaurants want to please their customers. Most are happy to substitute low carb foods for high carb.

Low carb diets focus on real food prepared well. Ask for an extra helping of vegetables instead of that potato. Have them hold the croutons on your salad. Have fruit instead of hash browns with your omelet.

Be careful when you order from a "low carb" menu. Restaurants don't always know the true facts about low carb dieting. Some will put a reduced fat dressing on your salad. Reduced fat dressings usually have a lot of sugar, which adds lots of carbs to your low carb meal. A full fat ranch dressing is usually your best choice.

Go ahead and order a hamburger. Take off the bun and eat the inside with a fork. Same great taste. Fewer carbs. Even some fast food places will wrap your burger in lettuce instead of a bun. Most sandwich places will make a salad of your choice rather than serve it on a bun or roll. Others offer wraps instead of the usual bun. Most places will let you substitute a salad for fries. It's becoming popular to offer a variety of side dishes. If enough people take advantage of alternate sides, we may all become healthier.

If you are tempted by bread, ask that it not be brought to the table. If your dining companions don't understand, let them keep the bread basket by them and out of your sight. Supportive friends and family go a long way to making your diet a success.

Don't be afraid to ask your server what's in each dish. Sometimes the preparation can add carbs to foods that are normally low in carbohydrates. Most servers are becoming accustomed to answering questions. One told me, "You must be on Atkins. They are the ones who want to know what's in everything."

It doesn't take much effort on your part to stay with your low carb way of eating while you are eating out or traveling. Make substitutions, watch for high carb, low fat products. Enjoy your dining experiences.

Learn more about this author, Lynn Jordan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Eating out on a low-carb diet?
We want to hear your view. Write now!