Understanding the Keto Diet
The ketogenic or "keto" diet has become an increasingly popular way of eating over the last few years. The diet focuses on high fat, moderate protein, and very low carbohydrate intake in order to put the body into a metabolic state called ketosis.
When following the keto diet, it's important to keep net carb intake under 50 grams per day. This encourages the body to start burning its own fat for fuel instead of primarily using carbohydrates from foods.
Benefits of Keto
Some benefits of the keto diet can include:- Weight loss
- Reduced blood sugar and insulin levels
- Improvements in heart health
- Better control over hunger and cravings
Challenges of Keto Eating Out
However, sticking to a keto lifestyle can be challenging when eating out at restaurants, especially chain restaurants. Menu items are often loaded with carbohydrates from breads, sugary sauces, starchy sides, etc.Fortunately, many popular chain restaurants now offer keto-friendly options. With some modifications, you can enjoy restaurant favorites while still staying true to your keto diet.
Keto Options at Red Lobster
Red Lobster is known for its delicious seafood, from lobster to shrimp to seasonal fish. Many of these menu items can easily be adapted to fit a keto diet with just a few adjustments.
Keto-Friendly Red Lobster Entrees
Some great low carb entree choices at Red Lobster include:
- Grilled, Broiled, or Steamed Seafood - Order shrimp, lobster, salmon, or any fish simply prepared without breading or heavy sauces. Get it served with melted butter for extra fat.
- Shrimp Skewers - Choose the grill-seasoned shrimp skewers served over fresh vegetables instead of rice for a keto-approved meal.
- Half Slab Flame Grilled Ribs - The sweet and smoky pork ribs offer mouthwatering BBQ flavor in perfect keto portion sizes.
- Wood Grilled and Blackened Seasonal Fish - Try the selection of wood-fire grilled fish based on what's fresh that day. It comes seasoned with spices but no sugary sauces.
Sides and Appetizers
In terms of keto-friendly sides and starters, excellent choices include:
- House or Caesar salad with ranch, blue cheese, or olive oil vinegar dressing
- Seasonal vegetables like grilled asparagus or broccoli
- Cheese biscuits with butter
- Cold peel and eat shrimp
- Mussels in white wine garlic broth or tomato garlic broth
Modifying Menu Items
Some dishes that are not keto on their own can be modified:
- Fried Shrimp/Fish - Order it broiled or grilled instead of breaded and fried
- Seafood Salad - Ask for lettuce instead of crackers or bread
- Seafood Paella - Substitute riced cauliflower or extra vegetables instead of rice
The key is avoiding obviously carby menu items like french fries, pasta dishes, sandwiches, etc. Focus on seafood protein and low carb vegetables.
Tips for Dining Keto at Red Lobster
By being mindful of preparation methods and ingredients, you cancraft satisfying keto-approved meals at Red Lobster. Here are some extra tips:
Ask About Ingredients
Don't be afraid to politely ask your server about how certain dishes are prepared and what goes into sauces or seasons. Sometimes menu descriptions can be vague, so asking questions can prevent ordering something with hidden carbs.
Butter is Your Friend
Red Lobster provides delicious warm cheddar bay biscuits, but avoid the temptation! Instead, ask for extra butter pats and dip your seafood into for added fat and flavor.
Swap Sides
Most seafood meals come with carb-heavy garlic mashed potatoes, fries, or rice pilaf. Request to swap them for a simple side salad, steamed broccoli, or even more buttered vegetables.
Fill Up on Shrimp
If dining with a group, take advantage of unlimited shrimp appetizers like peeland eat shrimp or shrimp cocktails. They make the perfect keto starter before your main entree.
Dessert Options
Skip the Famous Chocolate Wave or Caramel Apple Granny. Trycoffee with heavy cream or a lobsterita with extra lime instead for low carb dessert and drinks.
Make Keto Easier at Red Lobster
Yes, it's completely possible to eat keto at Red Lobster. With so manyfresh seafood choices simply prepared, you'll have delicious options to stay on track with your diet goals.
Be selective with preparation methods and sides, don't shy from asking questions, and fill up on unlimited shrimp and other keto appetizers. With some small customizations, you'll leave full and satisfied, not deprived.
FAQs
What are the best keto entrees at Red Lobster?
Some top keto-friendly entree options include grilled, broiled, or steamed shrimp, salmon, or lobster, shrimp skewers over vegetables instead of rice, half slab ribs, and wood grilled seasonal fish seasoned with spices instead of sugary sauces.
Can I eat Red Lobster biscuits on the keto diet?
Unfortunately, the famous warm cheddar bay biscuits are too high in carbohydrates for the keto diet. Stick to options like salad, seafood, and butter instead.
What if my seafood meal comes with non-keto sides?
Many seafood dishes come with carb-heavy sides like potatoes, rice, or pasta. Ask your server if you can swap them out for low carb alternatives like extra vegetables, side salads, or steamed broccoli.
Are desserts completely off limits on keto?
Most dessert menu items like chocolate lava cake are too high in sugar and carbs for keto. But you can order modified choices like coffee with heavy whipping cream or a lobsterita made with extra lime instead of sweet mixer.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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