One thing many people who follow a low carbohydrate diet miss is eating out. Obviously when you are cutting back on carbs you can't indulge in French fries or a real hamburger. Most restaurants are starting to realize that by adopting a small low carb diet menu they'll attract more customers, but not all have jumped on the weight loss bandwagon yet. There is a way to bypass the restaurant scene all together and prepare your own low carb fast food at home. Not only will it save you some carbs, it saves money too.
Mozzarella cheese sticks are one appetizer that many people routinely order at restaurants. There is a way to prepare this so it's more of a low carb fast food and acceptable when you are on Atkin's or the South Beach Diet. Instead of using breading and deep frying the sticks, you can cut a block of mozzarella into strips, roll it in an egg, then crushed pork rinds and bake them in the oven. These tasty little morsels have virtually no carbs and tons of taste.
Hamburgers are a staple of eating out. Although you can always make a burger at home, there's no bread allowed for low carbers so they usually shy away from this all American favorite. You can make this low carb fast food at home and substitute Portabella mushrooms for the bun. It might not sound all that appetizing, but it's actually incredibly delicious.
Preparing a marinade for the mushrooms is essential for optimum flavor. Using olive oil as a base, you can add any flavors that appeal to you. When you are grilling the burgers, throw the mushroom caps on too, and you'll have a low carb fast food burger you can enjoy guilt-free. Don't be surprised if others in the home want to substitute their plain bun for this as well.
Desserts are another hurdle that you have to leap past when you are trying to lose weight. Having a decadent piece of cheesecake is a wonderful way to end any restaurant meal. You can actually indulge in a small serving of this rich dessert at home too, as long as you make it so it fits in your low carb diet menu plan. Just use a sugar substitute and forego the graham cracker crust.
With some imagination and a little creativity you can alter many restaurant favorites so they fit into your new, healthier lifestyle. If you do find yourself having to eat out at times, just make wise choices in low carb fast food. Ask the server to keep your dressing on the side of your salad, order a steak or a piece of skinless chicken and just think about how great you'll look in that bikini in the summer. A little sacrifice to get into the shape you want is well worth it.
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