12 Week Challenge: eating out guide
Chinese restaurants
High-carb dishes known for: Chow Mein, stir-fried noodles
Chinese food is often high in starch and sugar. Avoid sweet and sour dishes at all cost, as well as plum and orange-sauce dishes, which are full of sugar. While some dishes can be low-carb, yuk sung or moo shoo pork, for example, there is sometimes accompanying starch such as pancakes.
Low-carb options: Steamed vegetable-based dishes with shrimp or chicken
Mexican restaurants
High-carb dishes known for: Chilli con carne, enchiladas
Tortillas, beans and rice are staples of Mexican dishes, but there are some good low-carb alternatives too. Avocado is found in abundance in guacamole, which comes with fajitas – just make sure to navigate the tortillas.
Low-carb options: Ribeye steaks and taco salad with healthy fats, like avocado
Spanish restaurants
High-carb dishes known for: Paella, potato-based tapas
Rice-heavy meals such as paella are regulars at Spanish restaurants, while tapas can be a mixed bag. Small dishes such as Croquetas and Patatas Bravas are high-carb, but you can often customise tapas and other dishes to avoid carbs.
Low-carb options: Non-breaded tapas (which can be provided on request)
Discover guides for how to eat out in steakhouses and Japanese restaurants when you join the Low Carb Program.
