I know first hand how difficult it can be to try and eat out at restaurants while on a diet. Sitting at a table with friends, being brought fresh hot bread, everyone else ordering drinks, dessert platters, a true nightmare. If you’re like us, you’ve probably embarked on a cleanse or stayed true to a particular diet. When committing to a healthier diet a lot of people tend to steer clear of restaurants completely in an effort to stay true to their restrictions. Thankfully we have quite the experience with eating out and staying within your lifestyle change. There are a few tips and tricks that I use that we would love to share with you all! Use these as guidelines and I promise it will make your going out meal so much easier.
Tips and tricks!
Regardless of which diet you're on, if possible, try and pick the place where you’ll eat beforehand. If you are anything like us, this is probably the hardest decision! Not even going to lie, we spend hours in the car discussing what we want to eat to only decide last second. This can make things much easier and leave you better prepared if you can choose somewhere you’re familiar with. If not, make sure to check the menu beforehand! You can never be too prepared for when ordering at a restaurant, especially when dieting. You can make your life much easier by making your meal choices well in advance.
I can’t think of how many times I’ve looked at a menu at it wasn't very clear at all. Don't be afraid to ask questions!! You’re not inconveniencing anyone by asking a few specific questions to stay within your diet. The number one thing is to make sure to ask nicely. No one likes to feel like they're inconveniencing their waiter/waitress, BUT they’re there to ask questions and for help! They know much more about the menu and can assist you with staying on track with your diet.
The keys to these diets is being able to strip down your meals to its basic necessities. The perfect way to do that is to keep your orders when you’re eating out as simple as possible. Keep an eye out for baked, steamed, grilled or roasted meats, poultry or fish as those are very straightforward and simple meals. If your dish includes any kind of sauce, make sure to ask what’s specifically in the sauce. A lot of sauces contain hidden sugars and starches, so make sure you know all the ingredients of the sauce or just order it without it. Always look for dishes that have the ingredients all listed, and if you’re unsure of anything, just ask for your dish without it to play it safe.
With proper customization to their traditional menu, you can stay Keto/Paleo at almost any restaurant on earth! Make sure you locate your meats of choice anywhere on the menu and get customizing with the restaurant! Restaurants will usually be able to switch out most items on their menu with no issue. The sides menu is your best friend! Create your own new combinations/meals. Don’t be afraid to order a nice cut of meat with a steamy side of non-starchy veggies. The options are endless as long as your willing to customize the traditional menu, your way.
Below are some of my favorite restaurants in Miami to grab keto and paleo friendly meals!
Chipotle is very convenient with lots of customizable options. I love it as a quick grab and go meal! I usually do salad bowls with chicken or steak. It’s affordable and delicious! Mexican food in general is a great option. I can probably live off Mexican food :P
Check out their menu here!
I love to eat at Graziano's as well! SO many great meat options. Italian food menus often include an array of meat selections great for any keto or paleo diet. Just no pasta! Sorry :(
Check out their menu here!
Can’t diet in Miami and try and exclude Cuban food. I love to grab lunch at Sergio’s where you can grab a great piece of steak or grilled chicken with customizable sides like veggies, cauliflower rice, salads, boiled yuca and avocado slices. It makes for a quick and healthy lunch alternative.
Check out their menu here!
Diced is one of the cleaner alternative options to get your meals from. They give you plenty of options to build your customize bowls, wraps or salads. Love to get their chicken or steak salads with plenty of fresh veggies inside!
Check out their menu here!
Other options I eat at frequently:
Stay Sweet,
PBH
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