In 20 days, we’ll arrive in Minnesota for granddaughter Maisie’s graduation on May 29. Her graduation party will follow on Saturday, May 31. We’ll have three days to recover from the long journey before the festivities begin.
We’ve decided we won’t be cooking our meals while in the US, so we are staying at a Marriott Residence Inn that will have a small kitchen. Why won’t we prepare meals in a convenient kitchen with a full-sized stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher?
From our past experiences, these short stays, in this case, three weeks, isn’t long enough to warrant buying spices and other ingredients required to make our keto meals. Sure, on occasion, we may order from GrubHub or a similar service, without a delivery fee from our membership in Amazon Prime.
But, overall, we’ll be dining out with family and friends. Undoubtedly, we expect to pay a minimum of US $100, ZAR 1839, daily for the two of us to dine out for dinners, even in the most modest restaurants. The cost will increase exponentially when we take our kids and grandkids to dinner.
We won’t eat out for breakfast since the hotel offers a complimentary breakfast with eggs, bacon, or sausages. We continue to avoid eating lunch, except when we get together with friends or family. On those days, we won’t eat breakfast.
However, to continue on our path of healthy eating and hopefully lose more weight, we will observe the following to maintain our ketogenic lifestyle.
Dining out on a keto diet can absolutely work with a little planning and confidence. Here’s a practical guide to help you stay low-carb without feeling restricted or awkward at restaurants:
1. Choose the Right Type of Restaurant
Some cuisines are more naturally keto-friendly:
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Steakhouses, seafood places, BBQ joints – Easy to order meat + veggies.
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Mexican – Skip the tortillas/rice/beans, go for fajitas or taco salads without the shell.
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Burgers – Ask for a lettuce wrap instead of a bun, skip the fries.
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Asian – Choose stir-fry without sauce or with minimal sauce (ask for steamed instead of battered). Be wary of hidden sugars in sauces like teriyaki, hoisin, and sweet chili.
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Breakfast spots – Omelets, eggs, sausage, bacon, and avocado are your friends.
2. Master the Art of Modifying Your Order
Be polite but assertive:
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Swap starchy sides (fries, rice, mashed potatoes) for a side salad, sautéed greens, or steamed broccoli.
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Ask for no bread, no croutons, or sauce on the side.
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Many places will accommodate custom meals if you ask kindly.
Example:
“Could I please have the grilled salmon, but instead of rice, could I get a side of spinach or another vegetable?”
3. Watch for Hidden Carbs
Be cautious with:
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Sauces and dressings – Often loaded with sugar or starch. Ask for oil & vinegar, ranch, blue cheese, or Caesar (but double-check).
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Soups – Many are thickened with flour or cornstarch.
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Breaded or fried items – Stick to grilled, roasted, or baked options.
4. Alcohol: Yes, But Mindfully
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Stick to dry wines, clear spirits (vodka, gin, tequila) with soda water or on the rocks.
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Avoid beer, sweet cocktails, and liqueurs.
5. Be Prepared and Stay Flexible
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Check the menu online beforehand if possible.
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Eat a small keto-friendly snack before dining out if you’re unsure of the options.
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If nothing fits perfectly, aim for the closest option and don’t stress – one meal won’t derail you.
6. Speak Up – You’re Not Alone
Restaurants are used to food restrictions (gluten-free, vegan, etc.), so don’t be shy. You might even inspire someone at your table to think twice about their own choices!
Once we leave Marloth Park in September, we won’t be cooking meals again until December after we arrive in New Zealand. In the interim, we’ll continue to be mindful of what we eat and how it’s prepared, if possible.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, May 4, 2015:
