'Fast Foods' you can eat on a low carb lifestyle

Sharing some words from an article by Franziska Spritzler, RD, CDE

12 Fast Foods You Can Eat on a Low Carb Diet
Though most items at fast food restaurants are high in carbs, there are several options that can fit into a low carb diet/lifestyle, including salads, bun-less sandwiches, and burrito bowls.

Sticking to a low carb diet when dining out can be hard, especially at fast food restaurants. That’s because these meals are often based on bread, tortillas, and other high carb items. Still, most fast food restaurants offer some good low carb options, and many items can easily be modified to fit your lifestyle.

Here are 12 fast foods you can eat on a low carb diet.

1. Sub bowls
To minimize carbs while keeping protein intake high, order your favourite sub sandwich in a bowl or as a salad.

2. KFC grilled chicken
Choose three pieces of grilled chicken with a side of green beans for a balanced meal that contains fewer than 10 g of carbs.

3. Coffee or tea with cream or half-and-half
If you prefer to drink coffee with milk or cream, ask for half-and-half, heavy cream, or unsweetened soy or almond milk.

4. Chipotle salad or bowl
Select a salad with meat, vegetables, salsa, and guacamole for a satisfying meal with 18 g of carbs, 9 of which are fibre.

5. Lettuce-wrapped burger
A bun-less burger wrapped in lettuce is a standard low carb, fast food meal. It’s high in protein, essentially carb-free, and available at many fast food burger establishments.

6. Buffalo wings
Choose non-breaded buffalo wings with traditional sauce, celery, and a few carrot strips to create a meal with under 10 g of carbs.

7. Bacon or sausage and eggs
Bacon or sausage with eggs provides very few carbs, reduces hunger, and helps you feel full for hours. Still, it’s best to limit your intake of processed meats, as they’re linked to an increased risk of heart disease and cancer.

8. Arby’s sandwich without the bun or bread
Arby’s is one of the largest fast food sandwich chains in the United States. Order an Arby’s sandwich without the bun or bread for a high protein meal within your target carb range.

9. Antipasto salad
Choose antipasto salad for a filling, low carb meal at an Italian fast food restaurant.

10. Subway salads
Subway is one of the most popular fast food sandwich shops worldwide. In recent years, the chain has been offering chopped salads that can be customized with protein and vegetables of your choice. Order a salad with meat, vegetables, and avocados for a delicious and satisfying Subway meal.

11. Burrito bowl
Choose a burrito bowl or “bare” burrito for the great flavour of a traditional burrito with very few carbs.

12. McDonald’s breakfast sandwich without the bread
McDonald’s is the most popular fast food chain in the world, with more than 38,000 restaurants worldwide as of 2023. At McDonald’s, order two Egg or Sausage McMuffins without the bread for a satisfying meal with 6 g or less of carbs.

The bottom line
Even if you only see high carb items on a menu, a delicious low carb meal can be created at most fast food restaurants by making simple substitutions.

Although fast food is certainly not as nutritious as the food you can prepare at home, it’s good to know what to order in case it’s your only option.

~ xx oo xx ~

The above is a snippet from Franziska's original article which you can read in full with all relevant links here

Two Recipes you may like to try ...

Cajun Chicken Lettuce Tacos and Carrot Fries - see details here

Smoked Salmon Appetiser with Lettuce Wrap - see details here

This blog brings a variety of articles and recipe ideas, and it is important to note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan