restaurant

Question
Arlene
My new job means that I am traveling more and eating out most of the time.
I wont be able to eat low carb at home or make lunches like I used to do,especially breakfast.
Are there any chain or fast food places that have something fairly low carb for breakfast and lunch?

Answer
Hello, Barry,
Eating low carb at a restaurant can be done, if, like you are doing, people plan ahead about what to look for.  Chains vary a lot over the country.  I will mention some, but chances are they may not be near you.  Though airports do have a lot of kinds.  Eating low carb really is catch as catch can, which means you have to hunt for the right things to eat where ever you are.  Think like a fussy predator.  Draw the line.   

As for breakfast, it's omelets, hold the toast and fries. Always, always look at the side dishes offered.  At least with sides you can avoid the trauma of paying for carbs.  Sometimes all I order is off the sides, like bacon, cream cheese spread (which I ask for some lettuce with to make rollups), and a poached egg, to make my own hodgepodge, but safe, meal.  Dunkin' Donuts has a "lower carb" bagel.  I actually like the taste, but it really isn't very low carb.  But, in a pinch, you do your best. And it is critical to encourage businesses to head in your direction by rewarding approaches, not just perfection.
 
Lunches and sandwiches - ugh.  The hardest thing is that so, so much of quick foods are sandwiches - it's the hand thing.  You have to then be strong enough to toss out the bread (unless they will put the sandwich fillings on a plate or salad for you) and ask for a knife and fork to eat it with.  Your only bet for eating with your hands is to find a place with low carb roll ups, like Subway or D'Angelos.  Otherwise, get a roll up anyways, its not great, but it's better than bread.  You cannot be perfect when you travel.  *Make sure to know what's in the dressing else order oil and vinegar.  Some of the dressings are full of carbs.  Don't assume.*  (I've gotten "brave".  I will order an Italian sub, have them make it on the paper, and then eat the meat with my hands or a fork.)  For sit down lunches, it's easier to eat "sandwiches" with a knife and fork or to get stuff on salad so you don't feel weird (this feeling will go eventually).  Also, I have noticed some places, like Ruby Tuesdays and Pizzeria Unos, offering mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes.  If I see something that the restaurant offers that is specially low carb, I always order it and mention how happy I am to see something for me.  Word matters.

I don't know how familiar you are with eating low carb at restaurants.  The key is to examine the menu closely (with practice you will get very fast at this), pick a few things and then ask about them.  Don't be shy about asking for changes, like vegies instead of potatoes.  As long as it is on the menu, it is possible.  This is called ordering "off menu".  Some places, usually cheaper ones where things are cut close, cannot do this (but still ask).  More and more restaurants are allowing off-menu as they try to offer food for people of varied diets.  The restaurant business is very competitive.  Plus, often, people ordering off-menu are regular customers, which are gold.  At some places I eat at, like Legal Seafood, I often don't even open the menu since I know it so well and like to order off-menu.  Which reminds me, if there's a grilled meat or fish you want, ask for it to be put on a salad.  Or, if there's a salad bar, do it yourself.  Don't feel limited to the sandwich meats.  

The key is to use your hunters eyes, scope out what has the most protein.  Ask questions, nicely.  When low carbing long enough, the right things on the menu will be crystal clear and all the trashy carbs will be blurred out in your mind.  It is cool when you get to that place.  

I see you didn't mention dessert - my bane is a sweet tooth.  If you ever need to finish with something, coffee with lots of cream and a non-sugar sweetener is the way to go.  Try the breve (pronounced "bre vA") form of your coffee at Starbuck's or analogous place.  Made with steamed half and half or cream (your choice).  A breve cappucino can fill in for breakfast for me in a pinch.  The fat at least will fill your stomach till you can get something with nutrition into you.

Enjoy your travels.  I know it is a pain, but really it is a chance to learn new things and skills.  That's always a plus.

Success to you, Arlene  

1. Prev:Plant sources of serotonin precursors
2. Next:high meat?