Are you on a keto diet? This popular low-carb, high-fat meal plan shouldn't stop you from dining in an Italian eatery. If you're new to this way of eating and not sure how to integrate your favorite foods into the diet, take a look at what you need to know about keto-friendly Italian cuisine.
Understand What Is and Isn't Keto-Friendly
New keto followers may still have some questions about what is and isn't ketogenic-friendly. Before you order off any restaurant's menu, make sure you know how to translate the principles of keto eating to your dine-out options.
A keto diet:
- Is extremely low carb. Carbohydrates (carbs) include sugars, starches, and fiber products. Dietary carbs are broken down into glucose and provide the body with energy. Carb-rich foods include bread products, pasta, starchy vegetables (such as potatoes), fruits, and legumes.
- Is high fat. This type of dietary plan includes higher fat foods. This doesn't mean you should eat fried, fatty foods. Instead, you should choose high fat foods prepared in healthy ways.
- Can vary. Some people prefer the standard keto diet, while others choose a version that includes extra protein or allows some crabs (around workout times).
After you've mastered the keto basics, try your new diet in a dine-out setting. While you might not have the same control over preparation you would at home, you can still choose which Italian meals match your dietary plan.
Choose Keto-Friendly Foods
Which foods are keto-friendly? Again, low- or no-carb, high-fat foods are the best choices on this type of diet. In an Italian eatery, keto-acceptable foods may include:
- Poultry. Chicken is an acceptable addition to your keto eating plan. Choose a grilled or broiled option instead of a fried or breaded chicken recipe. Breading adds carbs and won't fit with your keto diet.
- Veal. Like chicken, this meat is an option you can enjoy in your favorite Italian eatery. Again, avoid breaded veal selections. Braised or marinated veal is a keto-friendly choice.
- Meatballs. While the meat itself is safe to eat on your diet, a sugar-packed tomato sauce isn't. If the sauce is low-sugar, you can have it in moderation. If not, try a bare meatball.
- Other meat options. Sausage, steak, and other types of meat are acceptable on a keto diet.
- Cheese. Fatty chesses are common keto-friendly foods. Avoid breaded cheese appetizers and choose other dairy delights. Cheese added to poultry or meat (or an alfredo sauce) can add interest to the meal, minus the carb factor.
Now that you know what to eat - what should you avoid? While carbs are not part of this type of eating plan, you may wonder if a few strands of spaghetti will ruin your diet. Before you dig in to your all-time favorite dine-out delights, learn more about what foods to stay away from.
Avoid Carb-Rich Foods
With a menu of tasty treats in front of you, you may struggle to make the right choices for your keto diet. A forkful of penne won't ruin your diet. But it could start a slide away from the ketogenic plan. If you don't have a cheat day and want to stick to a strict diet, the Italian foods to avoid include:
- Pasta. This carb-rich food isn't on a keto plan. Avoid pasta products and anything that contains them (such as lasagna).
- Bread. Garlic bread, bread sticks, or a loaf of Italian bread are all menu items to avoid.
- Pizza. While you can eat the cheese, the dough and a sugary sauce are out.
- Tomato sauce. The only exception to this rule is a low or reduced sugar sauce.
Even though you may need to avoid popular menu picks, such as pasta and pizza, you still have plenty of Italian foods to choose from. Plan ahead and review your eatery-of-choice's menu before your next lunch or dinner out.
Are you on the hunt for a new Italian dining experience? Contact Picano's Italian Grille for more information.
