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When on your low carb diet, you can easily fall into temptations when eating out. Eating from a restaurant presents you with many options, most of which are not entirely low carb unless it is what the restaurant offers. But that does not mean that you can't enjoy low carb meals when eating out. So below are tips for choosing healthy and low carb meals whenever you are eating out.

Oftentimes, side dishes are a big culprit when it comes to high carb count, from bread to fries and most deep-fried foods. Instead, you can always swap these sides for a side salad, that you will likely get at no extra cost.

When ordering, try looking for the main dishes that are made of whole food and complete protein such as beef and chicken. This will keep you full and help you avoid temptation for desserts. For example, Outback Steakhouse has grilled steak, chicken and ribs which are perfect for low-carb diet.

One of the reasons you will end up making the wrong decision once in the restaurant is failing to plan. If you are eating out in the evening then make your decision before you head out for your date. This is especially true if you follow a keto diet because it has strict rules.

It is even easier now that most restaurants have online menus, so you can peruse and see the available meals. Optionally, you can choose your meal based on the cuisines. Some cuisines have plenty of low carb options, so you can search a couple of them before deciding. 

You need to be picky with restaurants because not all are consistent with the low carb diet. So don't assume you will get what you want in whatever restaurant you walk into. 

If you want to know which restaurants offer low-carb dishes and which restaurants don’t, there are many online resources such as KetoASAP that provide a list of keto-friendly restaurants. They also explain what to order and avoid for each place.

For instance, you can avoid restaurants that offer cuisines since most contain a lot of ingredients unless they are low-carb. Even better, if you can get one where most meals come separately that would be your best shot because you can request alternatives or omit what isn't low carb. 

When making your order, don't be afraid to tell the waitstaff what you want. Most formal restaurants are more likely to customize your meals to your liking. You can ask for recommendations on the most suitable options or request the meals to be prepared a certain way. Also, if your request cannot be fulfilled you will likely get a recommendation for something similar to what you are asking for. 

Portion size limit is important even on a low carb diet. Some restaurants will have large portions for their meals so be keen to see how other customers are served. If your meal seems too big to finish you can ask to take half of it home. Optionally, you can order a platter if you are eating out with friends then control how much you eat. 

Another helpful tip for choosing low carb meals is avoiding starch when ordering your food. If you choose some meals like sandwiches, burgers or entrees then make sure to order without the starch. For instance, you can have your burgers without the bun or have it swapped with a lettuce wrap or a low-carb bun. You may also have the starch in your entree swapped with a salad. If you cannot have the starch eliminated then just avoid it when having your meal. 

When eating out at restaurants, try to avoid desserts and snacks, too. If you can bring your own keto snacks, that’s good. Otherwise, just stick with the main dish and don’t snack until you get home.

Eating out every once in a while is okay, but you have to be smart and avoid what you should or you will fall off your diet routine. Dieting outside your house doesn't have to be hard, choose your location wisely, be confident with your orders and don't fall into the temptation of having what other people are having if it looks good. Simply, it all boils down to discipline. If you are disciplined in your home then that should remain even when you go out.