What should I order when dining out in a restaurant without low-carb, healthy-fat options?
Advice from The Real Meal Revolution on low-carb dining out goes like this:
Keep your meals simple when eating out. Go for unprocessed proteins and veg like steak or fish with butter and broccoli.
A major priority is to consciously avoid the extras like sauces, soft drinks, alcohol, dessert.
- Main meal salads are a good option; e.g. chicken Ceasar salad. I order this without the dressing and ask for extra-virgin olive oil to be brought to the table. I remove the bread croutons.
- Ask for additional salad with other meals.
- Swap potatoes, French fries, rice, noodles for vegetables or a salad.
- Ask the waiter to take away the bread basket. I ask for a dish of olives instead.
- Avoid anything “breaded” like schnitzels and crumbed veal.
- Sushi: opt for sashimi or a Japanese salad with salmon or tuna.
- Indian: be wary of the potatoes in curries, not to mention the rice. Avoid poppadums and naan bread. When I order curry I ask for it to be served in a bowl with no side dish.
- Thai: a coconut milk broth with chicken or prawns or a Tom Yum soup is a good choice. Stay away from spring rolls, dim sum, rice and noodle dishes.
- As always, avoid all soft drinks. Rather order sparkling water.
- Be aware of your alcohol intake. Make a conscious decision beforehand, about how much, if anything, you’re going to drink. Start the meal with a big glass of still or sparkling water. If necessary, ask the waiter not to fill your glass. If you need a reason not to drink, claim to be the designated driver for others in the party.