#absolute mushroom vinaigrette of a condiment

[notbecauseofvictories]

20+ Recipes I Have Personally Verified Are Delicious(tm)

RUBS & MARINADES

Dry Rub for Fish---this is easy and delicious, and the cayenne gives it an awesome kick. You can also use it for chicken.

Best Steak Marinade in Existence---absolutely lives up to its name, and I say that as someone who doesn’t even like steak very much.

MEALS

Cauliflower Soup with Hazelnuts and Bacon---sinfully good, the best recipe for cauliflower soup I’ve managed to find. And I’ve been looking.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Chicken & Bacon---I have a lot of recipes that include the words ‘creamy’ and ‘bacon’ which is probably a problem, health-wise. On the other hand, this shit is delicious.

Seasoned Turkey Burgers---as someone who’s swapped out turkey for red meat, this recipe is a goddamn lifesaver. Extremely easy, it uses those onion soup packets you get from the grocery store. Dress it up with your favorite condiments.

BLT with Fried Tomatoes and Cilantro Mayo---literally so good, if a bit labor-intensive. Btw, you can also just fry the tomatoes and then dip them in the mayo, also delicious.

Butternut Squash, Cauliflower & Beef Shepherd’s Pie---I made this for my office, and it was gone before lunch. Even my assistant told me that it was good, and she doesn’t like anything.

Bacon & Swiss Chicken Sandwiches---you know how in the Great British Bake-Off, Tamal had that sandwich he couldn’t stop thinking about? This is that sandwich.

Bacon, Gruyere, and Butternut Squash Frittata---takes the smokiness of the gruyere and the bacon, but combines with the butternut squash to make something delicious.

Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing---aromatic and delicious.

Cajun Fried Pickles---I’ve never made the dip, but the pickles are so, so good. Whenever I’m desperate for fries, I make these instead, they’re salty, tangy and good.

Garlic Goat Cheese Dip---get yourself a nice baguette, then make this, and have yourself a phenomenal evening of cheesy, cheesy goodness. (When I’m having a dinner party, I make the cheese dip and also this balsamic vinaigrette, for contrast.)

Butternut Squash Glazed Tart---I made these for the office thanksgiving party, and the Head Lawyer Of The Whole Office herself complimented me on how delicious they were. Since she had a lot of shit to say about my draft agreement, I’m taking the win.

DESSERTS

Peach Tarts with Goat Cheese and Honey---the ultimate summer dessert, with puff pastry a perfect balance of mild cheese and the sweetness of the peaches and honey. 

Creamy Yogurt Lemon Pie---another delicious summery dessert, but infinitely easier to assemble, especially if you get a pre-made graham cracker crust.

Puff Pastry Fruit Braid---technically, the recipe calls for a berry medley. However, this concept (puff pastry with cream cheese, cut in an attractive braiding pattern) can be adapted for many uses, including more savory options.

Coconut Macaroons---I made this for our office holiday party, and one of the attorneys who handles massive estates came up to me afterwards to thank me for a delicious gluten-free dessert. So there.

Tiramisu Cupcakes---I made cupcakes AND a cake, and my coworkers and a bunch of out-of-town friends promptly demolished them. While I prefer my desserts a little less sweet, clearly a crowdpleaser.

Sugar Cookies---made these for the office holiday party, and they vanished faster than the catered dessert. So, yeah, suck it professional catering company.

Dark Chocolate Ganache Tart---so silky and rich that you can’t have more than one slice at a time. Have it with coffee.

OTHER CARBS

Best-Ever Pie Crust---so, so good. Sometimes I use bacon fat instead of shortening, which is even better.

Ciabatta---the only ciabatta recipe I’ve ever liked.

Cheesy Pesto Breadsticks---I made these for the office thanksgiving party, and got so so many compliments. People love a soft, chewy white bread flavored with pesto.

Dill Pickle Bread---this is my favorite bread recipe, it’s great for sandwiches and even tastes delicious with just a schmear of butter. 

[snackhappycatering]

THANKSGIVING RECIPE ROUNDUP It’s the best holiday of the year if you ask me and here is a list of all my favs separated by category! Happy Planning

TURKEY I’ve included three methods for turkey here but my fool proof method is the first recipe from Alton Brown. Crispy skin, perfectly cooked meat and in a fraction of the time! I’ve never tried spatchcocking a turkey but it’s my favorite way to roast chicken so I wanted to include it. For the adventurous spirit the smoked turkey is absolutely delicious but note that it takes time. I didn’t have a smoker when I tried this recipe a couple years back but Russ includes directions for turning any grill into a smoker which is pretty handy. Alton Brown Roast Turkey http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-roast-turkey-recipe-1950271 Spatchcocked Turkey http://nomnompaleo.com/post/66597843666/butterflied-big-bird-spatchcocked-Turkey Smoked Turkey https://thedomesticman.com/2013/10/01/perfect-smoked-turkey/

GRAVY A pretty crucial condiment at the Thanksgiving table and one that people often fret over. All three of these recipes are great. The Bon Appetit recipe doesn’t include the turkey drippings but does include a couple extra steps to boost the flavor and in my opinion totally worth it especially if you want to make this ahead instead of right before serving. Easily adapted to gluten free by swapping out all purpose flour for gluten free flour. King Arthur and Cup 4 Cup make great gluten free flour blends. Umamai Gravy http://nomnompaleo.com/post/102452287023/nomtastic-paleo-thanksgiving-umami-gravy-video Turkey Gravy https://thedomesticman.com/2011/12/01/turkey-gravy/ Make Ahead Gravy https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/make-ahead-gravy

POTATOES / SWEET POTATOES/ CAULIFLOWER MASH I know that most people are obsessed with mash potatoes and wouldn’t want to mess with them much and for that reason I love the Bon Appetit recipe which includes simmering the milk with some herbs to add a very subtle flavor to a very traditional dish. If you are looking for a less starchy option mashed cauliflower will be perfect. I’m not a huge fan of marshmallow toped sweet potatoes and have opted for Jessica Murnane’s Chipotle Sweet Potato dish the past couple of years with no complaints. If gratin is more your jam then I’ve included a couple of those as well! Buttery Mashed Potatoes https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/extra-buttery-mashed-potatoes Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes http://www.jessicamurnane.com/recipes/chipotle-mashed-potatoes/ Mashed Cauliflower https://downshiftology.com/recipes/mashed-cauliflower/ Two Potato Gratin with Goat Cheese http://domesticate-me.com/two-potato-gratin-with-herbs-and-goat-cheese/ Cauliflower Gratin with Garlic & Sage https://www.feastingathome.com/cauliflower-gratin-with-garlic-and-sage/ Roasted Garlic Autumn Root Vegtable Mash http://nomnompaleo.com/post/102612649453/nomtastic-paleo-thanksgiving-roasted-garlic

GREEN BEANS Again, if tradition is your thing you might be appalled by my many choices outside of a casserole or if you are looking to make a healthier version then Pamela Salzman’s Green Bean Casserole is a total winner! The Dijon Maple Green Beans are a personal favorite if your curious. Dijon Maple Green Beans https://carlsbadcravings.com/dijon-maple-green-beans-with-caramelized-pecans-bacon-and-feta/ Healthy Green Bean Casserole https://pamelasalzman.com/healthy-green-bean-casserole-recipe/ Magic Green Beans http://www.loveandbellinis.com/2016/02/girl-the-goat-magic-green-beans.html Green Beans Gremolata https://barefootcontessa.com/recipes/green-beans-gremolata Miso Dijon Green Beans with Mushrooms http://iamafoodblog.com/miso-dijon-green-bean-mushroom-salad/ Prosciutto Wrapped Balsamic Green Beans https://www.wickedspatula.com/crispy-prosciutto-wrapped-balsamic-green-beans/

BRUSSELS Brussels Sprouts have got to be my favorite Thanksgiving side and usually the first to go at our family table. Its honestly a tie between the two Michael Symon recipes for my favorite but I had to include a couple more because Brussels! Brussels with Capers Walnuts & Anchovies http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/roasted-brussels-sprouts-with-capers-walnuts-and-anchovies Brussels with Bacon Mustard & Walnuts http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/michael-symon/roasted-brussels-sprouts-with-a-bacon-mustard-and-walnut-vinaigrette-2109595 Balsamic Brussels http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/balsamic-roasted-brussels-sprouts-recipe-1996813 Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples and Walnuts https://diethood.com/brussels-sprouts-salad-apples-candied-walnuts/

CARROTS / PARSNIPS Maybe the least popular but hey lets mix it up and you might be surprised at how good carrots and parsnips can be! If you love gruyere cheese as much as I do the Feasting At Home Parsnip Gratin is so so so so so good! Parsnip Gratin https://www.feastingathome.com/parsnip-gratin-with-gruyere-and-thyme/ Honey Mustard Rosemary Glazed Carrots http://thehealthyfoodie.com/honey-mustard-rosemary-glazed-carrots/ Roasted Carrots with Red Onions & Fennel & Mint https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/roasted-carrots-and-red-onions-with-fennel-and-mint Creamy Baked Parsnips http://gourmandeinthekitchen.com/creamy-baked-parsnips-with-thyme/ Maple Roasted Paranips & Carrots http://www.waitrose.com/content/waitrose/en/home/recipes/recipe_directory/m/maple-roast-parsnipsandcarrots.html?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=EasterRoasts

SQUASH It is fall so squashes are a perfect addition to the feast. The Pamela Salzman Delicata Squash with Pomegranate Pistachio Relish is my go to! I’ve brought this dish to so many Friendsgivings and its always devoured. Roasted Pumpkin with Chili Yogurt Sauce http://drizzleanddip.com/2015/01/08/roasted-pumpkin-with-chilli-yoghurt-and-coriander-sauce/ Cinnamon Peacan Roasted Butternut http://damndelicious.net/2015/10/07/cinnamon-pecan-roasted-butternut-squash/ Roasted Acorn Squash https://pamelasalzman.com/roasted-acorn-squash-roasted-grapes-frico-pine-nut-dressing-recipe/ Delicata Squash with Pomegranate Pistachio Relsih https://pamelasalzman.com/roasted-delicata-squash-with-pomegranate-

STUFFING/DRESSING Ok so really we are all here for the stuffing…am I right? Its comfort food to the max and is over the top amazing fried up into stuffing cakes the following day. Trust me on that. I’ve made a number of these and have enjoyed them all. The cornbread stuffing can be easily made gluten free with a good gluten free cornbread mix. Cornbread Sausage & Fennel https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/cornbread-dressing-with-sausage-and-fennel Sourdough Sausage Apple https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/sourdough-stuffing-with-sausage-apples-and-golden-raisins Wild Mushroom Fennel Stuffing https://www.feastingathome.com/wild-mushroom-fennel-stuffing/ Butternut Squash Wild Mushroom https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/butternut-squash-and-wild-mushroom-stuffing/ Grain Free Stuffing https://againstallgrain.com/2011/11/21/grain-free-thanksgiving-stuffing/ Autumn Rice Stuffing https://heatherchristo.com/2015/11/17/autumn-harvest-rice-stuffing/

CRANBERRIES It’s not Thanksgiving for me without them. I actually grew up loving the canned version but in recent years started making it which takes very little effort and can be made a couple of days ahead. The Nom Nom Paleo Cran Cherry is super good! Cran Cherry Sauce http://nomnompaleo.com/post/66981815680/paleo-cran-cherry-sauce Paleo Cranberry Sauce http://fedandfit.com/easy-homemade-paleo-cranberry-sauce/ Orange Cranberry Relish https://www.plaidandpaleo.com/2016/11/raw-orange-cranberry-relish.html

SALADS Ok I know this category doesn’t always make it to the table but I really enjoy these and they can also take the place of an additional side. Delicata Squash Apple Salad https://pamelasalzman.com/roasted-delicata-squash-apple-salad-recipe/ Butternut Squash Pomegranate Salad https://pamelasalzman.com/butternut-squash-salad-with-pomegranates-and-toasted-pumpkin-seeds/ Fall Salad https://pamelasalzman.com/fall-salad-fig-balsamic-vinaigrette-quinoa-brittle-recipe/ Shaved Brussels Sprouts https://www.acouplecooks.com/shaved-brussels-sprout-sweet-potato-salad/

DESSERT Everyone has their go to favorites for Thanksgiving desserts and I’m a pie girl all day long. I personally don’t need six choices of dessert because I’d rather go back for seconds and thirds of the meal than save room for sweets but I wanted to include a good variety of healthier options. Paleo Pumpkin Pie Cookie Crisp http://paleomg.com/pumpkin-pie-cookie-crisp/ Paleo Pie Crust http://zenbelly.com/2017/10/23/pie-crust/ Nut Free Paleo Pie Crust http://www.paleomazing.com/paleo-recipes/nut-free-flaky-pie-crust/ Pumpkin Spice Coconut Macaroons https://downshiftology.com/recipes/pumpkin-spice-coconut-macaroons/ Grain Free Apple Spice Coffee Cake https://againstallgrain.com/2014/11/20/pumpkin-pudding-egg-free-dairy-free/ Paleo Pumpkin Cheesecake http://paleomg.com/thanksgiving-pumpkin-cheesecake/ Apple Cider Cream Pie http://www.lottieanddoof.com/2011/10/apple-cider-cream-pie/ Paleo Pecan Pie Bars https://www.foodfaithfitness.com/paleo-pecan-pie-bars/

APPETIZERS If you ask me a huge cheese board and some wine is the best app before the meal but here are a couple more options for you since I know not everyone eats cheese like a food group. Brussels Sprout Prosciutto Bites https://www.tablespoon.com/recipes/roasted-brussels-sprouts-and-prosciutto-bites/85c02444-4032-416c-9232-4d52452b90c6 Prosciutto Pear Arugula Rolls http://www.thedefineddish.com/proscuitto-pear-arugula-rolls/ Shrimp Cocktail http://www.thedefineddish.com/whole30-cocktail-sauce/ Sweet Potato Tahini Crostini https://www.loveandlemons.com/sweet-potato-tahini-crostini/? utm_source=feedly&crlt.pid=camp.kH1vW7LRA3Qc Crudités Platter http://whatsgabycooking.com/assemble-crudite-platter/ Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta & Walnuts https://www.theroastedroot.net/sweet-potato-rounds-with-herbed-ricotta-and-walnuts/

[vandykecarolpdrf7]

Guide to Dining Out on a Low-Carb and Keto Diet

Dining out is one of life’s simple pleasures. Sharing a meal with friends and family — a meal you didn’t have to prepare, and that someone else serves to you — can be a happy oasis in an otherwise stressful and difficult day. But many people are mystified by the prospect of dining out while following a ketogenic diet.

Faced with menus boasting pasta and rice specialties or entrees that are invariably accompanied by starchy side dishes, they’re uncertain of what they can order and may even feel like there’s nothing safe to choose.

Don’t let this happen to you!

Dining out on a ketogenic diet is much easier than you might think. It isn’t difficult; it’s just different. Dining out while watching your carb intake isn’t hard at all. In fact, in some ways, it’s easier. If you’re overwhelmed by restaurant menus that are ten pages long and offer every food under the sun, it’s actually simpler to decide on something if a significant portion of the menu — pasta, risotto, sandwiches, pancakes, noodles — is off limits.

Provided you’re careful about what you order, you can absolutely enjoy dining out on a carbohydrate restricted diet. The trick is to be proactive about customizing your order and asking for appropriate substitutions. With food allergies on the rise and more people becoming health-conscious, restaurant staff are not put off or surprised by special requests. They are quite familiar with the modifications you’ll ask for, and servers will not look at you funny if you ask them not to bring the bread basket.

When traveling, people who are new to keto sometimes post to social media asking locals for recommendations for keto-friendly restaurants in the area. The truth is, every restaurant is friendly to low-carb eating provided you know how to customize your order. Some establishments may be easier to navigate on a carbohydrate restricted diet, but it’s unlikely you’ll find yourself in a place where there’s literally nothing suitable for you.

Here’s a guide to selecting appropriate foods that will allow you to enjoy a meal out while continuing to reap the benefits of your ketogenic diet.

General Tips for Eating Out When You Follow a Low-Carb and Keto Diet

Let’s start with the obvious: avoid all pasta, rice, bread, potatoes, corn, beans, soda, juice, and desserts. (If you find a restaurant that serves fresh berries with real whipped cream for dessert, then go for it!)

Simplicity is Key

Choose dishes that are prepared simply, without sauces. Sauces often have hidden (and not-so-hidden) sugars and starches. Opt for grilled, baked, steamed, or roasted meats, poultry, seafood, non-starchy vegetables, or salads.

Fried foods are not off limits, but it may be best to avoid them because they typically have grain-based breading or batter. Plus, while fat certainly isn’t something to be feared on a ketogenic diet, you do want to be careful about the kinds of fat you consume, and many restaurants use mixtures of vegetable oils, which are high in pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids and should not be used for cooking.

Don't be Afraid to Ask

At restaurants where free bread or rolls are provided before the food is served, request that the wait staff not bring those to the table. (This works if everyone at the table is watching carbs. If others in your party want the bread, you’ll simply have to abstain.) Ask for something else if it’s the type of restaurant that is likely to have something available; olives or pickles can be served instead of starches and grains.

Or even better, simply have nothing before your meal. If you live in the U.S., restaurant portions are comically large; there’s no need to start filling up on something else while you wait for an entree that will probably be more than you can finish in one sitting anyway. Regardless of where you live, there’s truth to the saying, “Hunger is the best sauce.”

Add Non-Starchy Vegetables & Healthy Oils

Ask for a double portion of non-starchy vegetables in lieu of a starchy side dish. (For example, a double serving of broccoli instead of a potato, or roasted vegetables instead of pasta or rice.) Most entrees come with a choice of one or two side dishes, and there’s usually a selection of starchy items and non-starchy vegetables. Double up on the lower carb options.

If you’re following a strict ketogenic diet, as opposed to a more general low carb diet, you may need a bit more fat than your dish contains. If so, simply request some extra olive oil or butter on the side.

Preparation is Key

Prepare ahead of time. Many restaurants have their menus posted online. Take a look ahead of time so you’ll have an easier time ordering, or so you can suggest a change of location if you feel your options would truly be too limited to order something keto-friendly.

What to Order at Restaurants Mexican Cuisine

Fajitas are perfect for keto! Grilled meat, peppers and onions—it doesn’t get much better than that. Ask the server not to bring the tortillas, and request extra vegetables instead of rice and beans.

You can enjoy sour cream, cheese, guacamole, and salsa as condiments. (Make sure the salsa is mostly tomatoes, onions, and chilies, and isn’t a heavier carb variety with corn, mango, or black beans, for example).

At popular Mexican fast-food chains, you can order meat, cheese, and vegetables in a lettuce bowl instead of a flour wrap.

Middle Eastern and Greek Cuisine

Choose kebabs or other grilled meat dishes. Ask for extra vegetables or meat instead of rice. Avoid hummus and pita bread, stuffed grape leaves (which usually contain rice), and anything else with beans or high starch.

These cuisines are famous for grilled meat specialties; take advantage of that, as well as marinated feta cheese, olives, seared halloumi cheese, and tzatziki or other yogurt sauces.

Indian, Afghan and Pakistani Cuisine

These are somewhat similar to the Middle Eastern cuisines discussed above. Avoid rice, pita, and naan. Favor curries and dishes of grilled or roasted meat and vegetables; avoid chickpeas and potatoes. Some Indian restaurants are vegetarian.

It may be more difficult to make low carb choices in this case, since there will likely be more beans, potatoes, and other starches.

Chinese, Japanese and Thai Cuisine

No General Tso’s? No problem! Request that your dishes be prepared steamed or cooked without sauce. Sauces often contain sugar and corn starch, so instead, use soy sauce, wasabi, or hot mustard as condiments.

Great choices for Chinese takeout are steamed chicken or shrimp with mixed vegetables. Some restaurants also offer grilled chicken on skewers or beef on skewers.

Avoid rice, noodles, wontons, dumplings, deep-fried foods, and tempura (due to the batter). Sashimi is an excellent choice; just avoid sushi rice.

For Thai restaurants, avoid noodle and rice dishes. Choose curries that contain meat or seafood and vegetables, spices, and coconut milk. Ask your server if the curries are thickened with flour or corn starch; they may be able to leave them out.

Italian Cuisine

Pasta is obviously off limits, but most Italian restaurants have plenty of other options that are suitable for low carb diets. Choose salads, steaks, chicken, pork chops, or seafood with vegetables.

Avoid bread and breadsticks and ask for no croutons if you order a salad. Request extra non-starchy vegetables instead of pasta, potatoes, or polenta as side dishes.

Pub, Diner or Bistro

These establishments usually have diverse menus, so finding suitable options is easy. Just use the same logic as for anywhere else: no grains or other starchy carbs, and no sweets for dessert.

Caesar, chef, or cobb salads are fantastic choices, as are bunless hamburgers or sandwiches. As always, ask for non-starchy vegetables instead of fries or other starchy sides. You can often substitute a house salad for a carb-heavy side dish. Other good selections include any type of roasted meat, chicken, or fish, or a platter of egg, tuna salad, or chicken salad on beds of lettuce.

Breakfast Options

Stick with eggs, bacon, ham, and sausages. Avoid pancakes, waffles, potatoes, toast, bagels, muffins, fruit, juice, jam/jelly, etc. Omelets containing meat, cheese, and/or low-carb vegetables are a great way to go. (Think ham, onion, peppers, spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, greens).

Any other egg preparations are fine, too: poached, scrambled, over-easy, hard-boiled — however you prefer them. Avoid bottled ketchup, which contains high-fructose corn syrup. Use mustard, mayonnaise, or hot sauce as condiments. Orange juice or fruit smoothies no; coffee or tea, yes.

Entrée Salad Options

Customize your salad as necessary: no dried cranberries, fruit, crunchy noodles, etc. Stick with lettuce, spinach, and other greens. Suitable additions include chopped hard-boiled egg, bacon, cheese, avocado, ham, turkey, chicken, steak, salmon, olives, cucumbers, sliced peppers, radishes, and other non-starchy vegetables.

Use oil & vinegar or a high-fat dressing, such as ranch or blue cheese. Avoid thousand island, French, honey mustard, raspberry vinaigrette, and other high-sugar dressings.

Beware of Hidden Pitfalls

Don’t be shy about asking your server for details on how foods are prepared. For example:

Watch Out for Added Starches in Omelets

Some restaurants may add flour or pancake batter to their eggs to make omelets fluffier. Ask if this is the case and if so, request that they prepare your eggs without that. (One way to avoid this altogether is to stick with your eggs hard boiled, poached, or over-easy/sunny-side up.)

Watch Out for Added Starches & Sugar in Sauces

If there’s a sauce with ingredients you’re not sure of, ask the server to tell you what’s in it. Many sauces contain sugar, corn syrup, corn starch, and/or flour. For this reason it’s best to stay with simply prepared dishes — grilled, broiled, or steamed meats or seafood with no sauce.

Be Cautious with Condiments

As mentioned above, ketchup is loaded with HFCS, and many salad dressings are high in sugar and corn syrup. Your safest bets for condiments are mustard (all are fine except honey mustard), mayonnaise, hot sauce, melted butter, olive oil, or vinegar. (All vinegars are fine, but go easy with balsamic as it’s higher in carbs than the others.) Full-fat, low carbohydrate salad dressings are permitted — look at labels in supermarkets to get an idea of which types are best. The carb count per 2 tablespoon serving should be 2 grams or less.

Beverages

The same rules apply to beverages as apply to food: avoid the obvious sources of sugar and other carbs, and stick with options you know are suitable for you.

Still or carbonated water is always a safe choice, as is coffee or tea. You may opt for diet soda if artificial sweeteners (or natural low-carb sweeteners like stevia) are part of your diet. Don’t underestimate the power of fresh-squeezed lemon or lime to jazz up water or club soda.

As for alcohol, you might be surprised that distilled spirits are nearly carb-free, and most wines are relatively low in carbs. Alcohol tolerance typically decreases in people following low-carb and ketogenic diets — the effects will hit you more rapidly and more strongly than you may be accustomed to, so go slowly and don’t imbibe on an empty stomach. Here's a helpful guide to alcohol on carbohydrate restricted diets.

Special Requirements When Eating Out

The suggestions above are intended for people following low-carb or ketogenic diets primarily for weight management or overall health.

If you are following a more restrictive diet due to an autoimmune condition or you have severe intolerances to gluten, soy, dairy, or some other dietary element, you will need to be a bit more careful.

If you absolutely must avoid certain ingredients, I recommend getting familiar with a select few restaurants in your local area that you trust to prevent cross-contamination and whose staff is well-versed in taking special measures to ensure your food is prepared to your specifications.

Stop by these establishments at a quiet time, when the manager and chef(s) might be available for a chat. (During a busy dinner service is not the time to give these folks your entire medical history.) If you are polite and courteous in explaining your needs, they shouldn’t be put off by your special requests or think of you as “that guy” or “that girl.”

It might help support your case if you assure them that if they’re able to accommodate your unique needs, you will be happy to patronize their establishment frequently, and recommend that others do so, too. Even before the age of social media and online reviews, word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied customers were a restaurant’s best advertisement.

Things might be a little different if you have preferences based in environmental or ethical concerns, or if you prefer to avoid certain ingredients on principle (e.g., soybean or corn oil, feedlot meats, farmed fish). If you prefer to consume exclusively organic produce, grass-fed or pastured meats, poultry, and eggs, there may be restaurants in your local area that can accommodate this, or at least come close.

If you have a severe allergy or sensitivity to specific ingredients, then obviously you need to avoid those completely. But if you choose to eat a certain way out of personal preference, keep in mind that socializing with friends and family and enjoying the simple pleasure of a shared meal is one of the things that keeps us human. Loneliness and isolation have substantial negative impacts on health. So it may be worthwhile — on occasion — to bend your personal rules for the sake of company, conversation, and tending to aspects of your health beyond what you eat.

Tracking your Carb Intake While Eating Out with the KetoDiet App

To help you make the right choices while eating out, get the KetoDiet App and browse through thousands of keto-friendly meals in hundreds of restaurant chains. Track your carbs, protein, fat and calories while eating out. New restaurants are added in every update!

Now Go, Enjoy!

If you follow these tips, you’ll find that dining out while sticking to low carb or keto is not difficult at all, and you’ll wonder why you ever worried about it. Armed with these simple strategies, you will never find yourself at a restaurant and think there is truly nothing suitable for you.

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