When I’m on a business trip, sticking to a keto diet can be challenging with all the dining out involved. Navigating restaurant menus requires planning and awareness to maintain low-carb meals while still enjoying what the restaurant offers. I’ve curated a list of keto-friendly restaurant options tailored for those on the go, ensuring I can maintain my dietary preferences without hassle.
Exploring these options gives me the flexibility of enjoying business meals without compromising my keto lifestyle. Whether dealing with a fast-paced schedule or dining at upscale restaurants, I’ve found that there are ways to enjoy delicious meals that align with my dietary goals.
Buffalo Wild Wings – Grilled Chicken Salad
When I’m on a keto business trip, finding a spot for a delicious, low-carb meal can be challenging. Buffalo Wild Wings offers a great option with their Grilled Chicken Salad. This dish fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle.
The Grilled Chicken Salad features a base of fresh greens topped with smoky grilled chicken. It also includes blue cheese and bacon bits, which enhance the flavor while keeping carbohydrates low.
To maintain the keto focus, I skip high-sugar dressings. Instead, I opt for a dressing that complements the salad without adding unnecessary carbs. This salad is flavorful and satisfying, making it an ideal pick while dining out on keto.
Chipotle – Keto Salad Bowl
Whenever I find myself at Chipotle during a business trip, I opt for the Keto Salad Bowl. It provides a delicious option that fits perfectly with my dietary goals. The bowl features a mix of romaine lettuce, carnitas, hot salsa, cheese, and guacamole, adding flavors I enjoy without the extra carbs.
Another variant I like includes Supergreens, chicken, red salsa, fresh tomato salsa, sour cream, and cheese. This combination remains grain-free and gluten-free while keeping the ingredients fresh and nutritious. The choice between carnitas and chicken lets me switch things up and still maintain keto-friendly meals.
The nutritional benefits are clear, especially for those focusing on keto. My chosen Chipotle Keto Salad Bowl has macros that align with my diet: high in fat and protein and low in net carbs. It supports my energy levels, making it easy to stay true to my eating habits while on business trips.
Tijuana Flats – Norrito Bowl
During my recent business trip, I sought out options that align with my keto diet. Tijuana Flats caught my attention, thanks to its customizable menu options. Their Norrito Bowl is particularly appealing for those following a low-carb lifestyle.
I opted for the Norrito Bowl, specifically because it allows me to skip the rice and tortillas, reducing the carb content. Instead, it features a base of mixed greens, providing a fresh and nutritious foundation. I chose blackened chicken as my protein, which adds a bit of spice and flavor.
The bowl also included toppings like cheese, salsa, and guacamole. These additions contribute healthy fats and enhance the taste without adding extra carbs. It’s a satisfying choice for anyone looking to maintain their keto regimen while enjoying Tex-Mex flavors. The ability to customize and adjust according to preferences makes it a valuable find on my trips.
Shake Shack – Lettuce Wrapped Burger
When I’m in the mood for a quick keto-friendly meal, Shake Shack’s lettuce-wrapped burger is a reliable choice. This option replaces the traditional bun with crisp lettuce, which significantly reduces carbohydrate intake. It allows me to enjoy the classic flavors of a burger without deviating from my keto diet plan.
I can customize my burger by adding or removing toppings like cheese, tomato, and their low-carb sauce. The taste and texture of the ingredients come through vividly when nestled in fresh lettuce. It’s a satisfying way to maintain my dietary goals without sacrificing flavor.
Shake Shack provides a straightforward keto option that fits perfectly into business trips or casual dining. Whenever I need a meal that keeps me on track with my nutritional needs, I know I can rely on their lettuce-wrapped burger.
Red Lobster – Wood-Grilled Salmon
When dining at Red Lobster on a business trip, I often choose the Wood-Grilled Salmon. This dish fits well with my keto eating plan due to its focus on high-quality protein and low carbohydrate ingredients. The salmon is grilled to perfection, offering a delightful natural flavor enhanced by grilling.
I enjoy how the dish comes with the choice of sides that can complement my keto goals. I typically opt for steamed broccoli or a fresh side salad, both of which are low in carbs and pair perfectly with the salmon’s rich taste.
The Wood-Grilled Salmon not only meets my dietary needs but also provides a satisfying meal that keeps me energized. It’s a reliable option when seeking keto-friendly dining on the go.
Texas Roadhouse – Grilled Shrimp
When I’m traveling for business, finding keto-friendly options at popular chains can sometimes be a challenge. Texas Roadhouse offers a reliable choice with their Grilled Shrimp. This dish features seasoned shrimp cooked with a garlic lemon pepper butter, providing flavorful satisfaction without the carb overload.
To keep the meal keto, I always order the Grilled Shrimp without the accompanying toast. The shrimp is succulent and perfectly seasoned, making it a standout dish for maintaining my low-carb lifestyle. It’s a dish that’s ready quickly, which suits my busy travel itinerary.
Texas Roadhouse manages to bring a taste of summer with this classic offering. The combination of lemon and herb marinade enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp, ensuring a delightful dining experience. The dish is a reliable go-to for anyone on a keto diet.
Olive Garden – Herb-Grilled Salmon
During my travels, maintaining a keto-friendly diet is essential, and Olive Garden’s Herb-Grilled Salmon is one of my go-to choices.
This dish features a filet of salmon expertly grilled and complemented by a garlic herb butter, which enhances its natural flavors without adding unnecessary carbs.
The accompanying side of broccoli makes it a balanced, keto-friendly meal. Olive Garden’s willingness to accommodate dietary preferences means they usually offer guests a wedge of lemon, adding a tangy zest to the dish, perfect for those looking to elevate its flavor profile.
While the taste and nutrition align well with keto standards, the dish’s straightforward preparation makes it easy to replicate if you’re inclined to try at home. The freshness and thoughtful seasoning make this an excellent option on a busy itinerary.
IHOP – Spinach & Mushroom Omelette
When I’m traveling on a business trip and craving a keto-friendly breakfast, I find IHOP’s Spinach & Mushroom Omelette to be a great option. It’s packed with fresh veggies, including spinach and mushrooms, providing a satisfying meal that’s delicious and relatively low in carbs compared to other restaurant choices.
IHOP’s omelette includes sautéed spinach, mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes. While the standard preparation might come with cheese or other additional fillings, I prefer to customize my order to maintain my keto goals. I often ask the restaurant to prepare it using healthy oils, which can help reduce unwanted carbs and sugars.
Though IHOP’s spinach and mushroom omelette has 24 carbs and 7 grams of sugar according to one source, customizing it by eliminating cheese and other extras can make it fit a keto diet better. This customization allows me to enjoy a tasty breakfast that aligns with my dietary preferences during my business trips, making it an accessible and flexible option.
Outback Steakhouse – Grilled Chicken on the Barbie
When I’m on a business trip and need to stick to my keto diet, Outback Steakhouse is a reliable choice. I’ve found their Grilled Chicken on the Barbie to be a standout option. This dish features a perfectly seasoned and grilled chicken breast, which fits well within keto guidelines.
What appeals to me about this dish is the signature BBQ sauce that accompanies the chicken. Despite following a keto plan, I can still indulge in bold flavors without compromising my dietary goals. Plus, I have the option to pair it with fresh sides that suit my low-carb preferences.
The grilled chicken breast offers a great source of protein, maintaining my energy levels throughout a busy day of meetings. It’s a satisfying and convenient choice that keeps my meal both health-conscious and enjoyable.
Waffle House – Two Egg Breakfast without Hashbrowns
On my latest keto-friendly business trip, I found Waffle House to be a convenient option. One of the standout choices was their Two Egg Breakfast. By skipping the hashbrowns, I could easily keep my meal within my dietary needs.
The meal centers around two fresh, cooked-to-order eggs. I appreciated the option to choose how I wanted my eggs prepared, whether scrambled, sunny-side-up, or over-easy.
For protein, I opted for side meat like bacon or sausage. These provided a flavorful complement to the eggs and helped keep me satiated throughout a busy morning. The availability of side meats ensures I stay on track while enjoying a hearty breakfast.
One element of this meal is its adaptability. If I want to enhance my plate, I opt for toppings like cheese or tomatoes. These options allow me to create a filling yet low-carb meal, maintaining my focus on keto-friendly eating.
Five Guys – Bunless Bacon Cheeseburger
When I need to stick to my keto diet during a business trip, Five Guys is a go-to option. The bunless Bacon Cheeseburger stands out as a delicious and satisfying choice.
I appreciate how they don’t hold back on the toppings. I can enjoy my burger with extra bacon and additional cheese without worrying about extra charges. This makes it a convenient option for a fulfilling meal.
The fresh beef patties are juicy, and skipping the bun helps me minimize my carb intake. It’s easy to customize with keto-friendly toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. For a side, swapping fries for peanuts is a smart move to keep things low-carb.
Panera Bread – Caesar Salad with Chicken
When I’m looking for a keto-friendly meal on a business trip, I often stop by Panera Bread for their Caesar Salad with Chicken. This classic dish features crisp romaine lettuce combined with a blend of Caesar dressing, grilled chicken, shaved parmesan cheese, and the choice of adding or skipping croutons for fewer carbs.
Opting out of the croutons makes it even more suitable for maintaining a low-carb diet. I appreciate how this option keeps me full without compromising my dietary goals. The Caesar dressing is one of the keto-friendly choices at Panera Bread, making it easier to stick to the diet while enjoying a tasty meal.
This salad offers a straightforward yet satisfying combination of flavors. It’s a reliable choice when I need a quick lunch or dinner during my travels. The quality ingredients and attention to detail make it a go-to pick for anyone looking to maintain a keto lifestyle on the road.
Chili’s – Ancho Salmon
When I’m on a keto diet during business trips, Chili’s Ancho Salmon is one of my top choices. This entrée is part of their “Guiltless Grill” menu, designed to be both satisfying and nutritious.
Chili’s Ancho Salmon offers a balanced profile with protein and fat content. Although it’s not entirely carb-free, it keeps carbs to a reasonable level for a restaurant meal. It features a seasoned salmon fillet, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for a healthy diet.
I find it pairs well with low-carb side options available at Chili’s, like steamed broccoli or a side salad without croutons. This dish provides protein and fiber, making it a viable option for maintaining energy levels throughout a busy day of meetings.
Substituting higher-carb sides and skipping additional high-carb toppings can help align the dish perfectly with keto goals. The Ancho Salmon at Chili’s offers a delicious, keto-friendly meal that’s convenient for my business endeavors.
Applebee’s – Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad
I always find Applebee’s to be a dependable choice during business trips, especially when sticking to a keto diet. One of my go-to options is their Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad. This dish offers a satisfying mix of flavors and textures.
Served on a foundation of crisp romaine, the salad is topped with flavorful blackened shrimp that give it a slight kick. The combination of freshly shaved Parmesan and a side of garlic Caesar dressing adds richness without overwhelming the freshness of the greens.
When ordering, I usually ask for no croutons to keep the meal low in carbs. Occasionally, I might enhance the salad with some roasted pecans, which add a nice crunch and nutty flavor while maintaining keto-friendly credentials.
Sonic Drive-In – Bacon Double Cheeseburger without Bun
During my business trips, Sonic Drive-In has become my trusted option for keto-friendly meals. One standout option is the Bacon Double Cheeseburger without the bun. It’s a straightforward choice that aligns perfectly with my low-carb diet.
I appreciate how Sonic offers this burger with all the essentials intact. Without the bun, it reduces unnecessary carbs, fitting neatly into my keto plan. The burger remains flavorful, thanks to the generous portion of bacon and cheese.
Avoiding sauce is also important as they often contain hidden sugars. The Bacon Double Cheeseburger, when ordered correctly, provides a satisfying experience. It keeps me energized and focused, even on the busiest days.
Understanding the Keto Diet
As I explore the significance of the keto diet, I highlight its underlying principles and how it benefits those frequently traveling for work. I aim to present the core elements that define this diet and why it might be particularly appealing to business travelers.
Principles of the Keto Diet
The keto diet is based on the concept of drastically reducing carbohydrate intake while increasing fats. This dietary shift encourages the body to enter a metabolic state known as ketosis, where fat is burned for energy instead of carbohydrates. Typically, a keto diet involves consuming less than 50 grams of carbohydrates per day.
Protein intake remains moderate because protein can convert into glucose if consumed in excess. This diet emphasizes foods like meats, fatty fish, eggs, butter, nuts, and low-carb vegetables. Staying mindful of hidden sugars and carbohydrates, especially in sauces and dressings, is critical to maintain ketosis.
Benefits for Business Travelers
For business travelers, maintaining steady energy levels is crucial, and the keto diet can provide this advantage. With fats as the primary energy source, I experience fewer energy crashes compared to reliance on carbohydrates. This can lead to improved focus and performance during long meetings or presentations.
Moreover, keto-friendly meals are often available in restaurants by opting for dishes like bunless burgers, salads minus croutons, and grilled meats. The adaptability of this diet allows me to enjoy diverse cuisines while traveling. Despite the occasional challenges, maintaining a keto diet on business trips can enhance productivity and support overall well-being.
Navigating Restaurant Menus
When eating at a restaurant on a keto diet, my focus is on identifying low-carb dishes and avoiding hidden sources of carbohydrates. Keeping an eye on specific ingredients can make my choices easier and help maintain my diet goals.
Selecting Keto-Friendly Dishes
The priority is picking meals centered around protein and healthy fats. I start by looking for grilled meats, fish, or seafood, which often form the base of a low-carb diet. Salads are another choice, as long as I ensure there are no high-carb toppings, like croutons. If a dish typically comes with potatoes or rice, I ask for a side of vegetables instead.
I also use the strategy of modifying existing dishes. For example, I might skip the bread when ordering a burger and ask for extra greens or a side salad. Egg-based meals, such as omelets, are usually adaptable and can be filled with cheese and veggies to stay keto-friendly.
Avoiding Hidden Carbs
Restaurants sometimes sneak carbohydrates into sauces and seasonings. I prefer to order sauces on the side, letting me control the portion. If a sauce looks or tastes sweet, I suspect it’s high in sugar and avoid it altogether. Gravy and marinades might also hide extra carbs, so I ask about these before ordering.
Checking for toppings is vital—things like candied nuts, dried fruits, or sugary dressings can catch me off guard. When in doubt, I ask detailed questions about the ingredients and opt for simple preparations with olive oil, butter, or herbs to enhance flavor without adding carbs. By being cautious, I can enjoy dining out while sticking to my keto diet.
Tips for Staying Keto on the Road
When I’m on a business trip, maintaining my keto lifestyle requires careful planning. From researching meal options in advance to leveraging technology, these strategies ensure I stay on track without feeling stressed or deprived.
Planning Ahead
I always start by researching restaurants and their menus before I travel. This helps me identify which places have keto-friendly options like grilled meats, salads without croutons, or sandwiches without bread.
Packing my own snacks is also a game-changer. I include items like nuts, cheese, or beef jerky to help avoid impromptu carb-heavy meals. I also choose hotels with kitchenettes whenever possible so I can prepare simple meals.
Finally, I pack a couple of ready-made keto meals or snacks in my bag for the first day, providing a safety net if I can’t find suitable options immediately.
Mobile Apps for Keto Dieters
Technology is my ally when it comes to maintaining a keto lifestyle on the go. There are several mobile apps specifically designed for keto dieters that I rely on regularly.
Carb Manager is excellent for tracking macros and finding meals that fit my diet. Meanwhile, HappyCow lists nearby restaurants with keto-friendly menu items.
Some apps also offer barcode scanning to check the carb content of store-bought foods, which is invaluable when I’m in a hurry. These tools not only help me stay informed but make keto dining much more convenient while traveling.
