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Keto-Friendly Options at Olive Garden
When it comes to dining out on a keto diet, finding suitable options can seem like an impossible task. Fortunately, Olive Garden offers various keto-friendly choices that are sure to satisfy anyone’s tastebuds.
If you’re in the mood for soup or salad, Olive Garden has got you covered. Their classic minestrone soup and famous Zuppa Toscana are both great choices. Just make sure to skip the breadsticks as they’re loaded with carbs. For salads, opt for Caesar without croutons or a garden side salad with oil and vinegar instead of dressing.
For a filling entrée try ordering grilled chicken or fish along with some steamed veggies on the side. Avoid pasta-based dishes such as lasagna and spaghetti; they’re packed with carbs! Instead, give their braised beef bolognese a try – fewer carbs compared to other pasta dishes.
Customization is key when it comes to dining out on keto. Don’t hesitate to ask nicely if small adjustments could be made such as no croutons on your salad or extra cheese on top of your entree – most restaurants want customers happy!
Consider asking for low-carb substitutes where possible such as zucchini noodles instead of regular noodles in your dish.
In conclusion, by following these tips, you can still enjoy delicious meals at Olive Garden while staying true to your Keto diet and keeping those cravings under control!
Soups and Salads
When it comes to dining at Olive Garden while on the keto diet, there are several options that won’t derail your efforts. I personally recommend trying the Minestrone soup without beans as it packs only 70 calories and 6 grams of net carbs per serving! Additionally, the house salad is a great choice with mixed greens, tomatoes, onions, and pepperoncini paired with a light dressing. To reduce your carbohydrate intake further, ask for olive oil and vinegar instead of regular dressings like ranch or Italian.
If you’re looking for something more filling than just soup or salad, the Chicken Giardino salad is perfect! Topped off with juicy grilled chicken breast and fresh veggies such as carrots and tomatoes, this dish contains just 11 grams of net carbs per serving (thanks to its carb-conscious lemon vinaigrette dressing selection). Opting out of high-carb breadsticks served alongside soups can help keep you in line with your macros. By selecting these low-carb options, we can achieve rapid weight loss on the keto diet while still enjoying delicious food. Remember to aim for our daily calorie intake; professionals advise us not to exceed it to lead healthy lives successfully!
Entrees
I gotta say, when it comes to mealtime, nothing beats a filling entrée. These dishes often include a hearty protein and sides like potatoes or rice. Naturally, you might assume Olive Garden poses a bit of a challenge for keto followers looking for entrée options that don’t bust their macros wide open. But let me tell you – with some love and care, you can find plenty of choices that won’t derail your progress.
Personally, I’m a huge Herb-Grilled Salmon fan. It’s basically summer on plate with flaky grilled salmon topped with garlic-herb butter served alongside tender broccoli florets. Plus, this low-carb entrée contains heaps of nutritious omega-3 fats.
If white meat is more your jam than seafood, the Grilled Chicken Margherita is the way to go. Juicy chicken breast marinated in balsamic vinegar pairs perfectly with tangy spinach dressed in lemon juice. Adding cherry tomatoes as garnish not only pops against the green but also packs extra nutrition into this mouthwatering dish.
But maybe you’re one of those folks who crave rich red meat instead? No judgement here! For steak lovers out there yearning for keto-friendly fare at Olive Garden – look no further than the 12oz New York Strip Steak. This hearty cut comes seasoned with Italian herbs and works wonders as-star-of-the-show paired steamed zucchini or roasted asparagus!
All in all, dining at Olive Garden on keto doesn’t have to be mission impossible! With just little finesse choosing ingredients wisely will keep your tastebuds satisfied while keeping your diet goals intact!
How to Make Olive Garden Meals More Keto-Friendly
I’ve been following a keto diet for a while now, and I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find keto-friendly options when eating out. Olive Garden may seem like a tricky spot, but fear not! With some simple tips and tricks, you can still enjoy a delicious meal without derailing your keto goals.
Let’s start with the basics: avoid carb-loaded indulgences like pasta and breadsticks. Instead, look for dishes that are high in healthy fats and protein. My personal favorites include the grilled chicken margherita, salmon piccata, or herb-grilled salmon.
But what if your favorite dish is loaded with carbs? No worries – ask for modifications! Request your dish sans pasta or croutons (which will free up space in your carb-count), and add extra veggies on the side. If you’re unsure about any sauces or dressings used in your meal (some may have hidden sugars or carbs!), go ahead and request olive oil or vinegar instead of the pre-made stuff.
And let’s not forget about drinks! While sweetened options such as soda or fruit juice mixed with alcohol may sound tempting (especially after a long day), remember that they’ll derail your progress. Stick to water (still or sparkling) or unsweetened tea – trust me on this one!
By using these simple yet effective tricks during your next trip to Olive Garden, you’ll be able to stay within your dietary restrictions while enjoying all of their delicious offerings. Bon appetit!
Ordering Tips
When I dine at Olive Garden, I like to keep these tips in mind to stay on track with my keto lifestyle. Firstly, it’s totally okay to ask for substitutions or omissions. For example, instead of carb-loaded pasta or bread on the side, I’ll opt for some extra veggies.
I always strive to choose grilled or roasted protein dishes over fried ones. The Grilled Chicken Margherita and Garlic Herb Salmon are both scrumptious options.
It’s important to be cautious when it comes to sauces and dressings since they can often contain hidden carbs and sugars. To play it safe, I always request them on the side so that I’m in control.
If you’re dining with a partner or friend, consider splitting an entree or asking for a half-portion size. Olive Garden is notorious for massive portions that could easily throw you out of ketosis (yikes!).
By keeping these tricks up your sleeve, indulging in delicious meals at Olive Garden while staying true to your keto goals is doable!
The Bottom Line
As a fellow keto enthusiast, I know firsthand that dining at Olive Garden can be tricky. However, fear not! With some slight alterations, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a meal that adheres to your low-carb diet. But let’s be real – ordering off the menu can be nerve-racking. Many restaurant meals contain sneaky carbs like hidden sugars and starchy thickeners, so it’s essential to exercise caution before placing your order.
So why not inquire about how certain dishes are prepared? After all, you’re paying good money for your meal (and watching those carbs!). Don’t shy away from asking questions or requesting adjustments – most restaurants are willing to accommodate if asked politely.
Lastly (and this one hits close to home), portion control is key. It may be tempting to indulge in their infamous breadsticks or pasta dishes, but make sure you do so with mindfulness. Those indulgences teeter dangerously close to your daily carb intake limit – focus instead on protein-rich entrees paired with low-carb vegetables.
Despite the challenges of dining out while staying true to our dietary goals, remember it’s still possible (even enjoyable!) By making smart choices and keeping an eye on ingredient lists, you can still joyfully indulge in Italian-inspired cuisine without compromising your health goals – buon appetito!