Staying on a Low-Carb Diet When Someone Else is Cooking!

I know there is plenty of information out there regarding the Low-Carb lifestyle, but if you are like me you probably prefer to get information from someone that has been there done that!

Eating at my friends/family home

I'm hispanic (no really?) and it is really rude to say, "no thank you" when you go to someone's home and they offer you some food! If it's family there shouldn't be a problem asking what will be served and you can plan, but if you are going to someone's home for the first time or they are not close friends this is what you can do. 

1. I eat before I go out. 

When I'm not starving I make better choices!

2. Normally there is a protein in the meal...stick to the proteins and get full on them! 

3. Dissect your dish! 

Yes, you read that right. Eat only the items you know are safe on a low-carb diet. Ex: fat, cheese, heavy cream, beef, chicken, salad, seafood, turkey. You get the idea.

4. PASTA DISH! This is a hard one and we all know it. If the pasta has meat, chicken, seafood, etc. eat only the protein! If the dish doesn't have a protein...we are in trouble people!

5. Don't eat any rice, potatoes, bread, tortillas. 

6. Do not eat dessert! I repeat...Do not eat dessert!

Instead, ask for a cup of coffee or hot tea and kindly let them know you are trying to stay away from sweets. Most people are understanding. If they have fresh berries you are in luck my friend!

Eating at a Restaurant

Olive Garden: Check this link for their Gluten-Free/Allergen Menu
The majority of the Gluten-Free menus are Low-Carb. Just watch out for those hidden carbs like Potato flour, Rice Flour, etc.
Did you know that you can ask for vegetables instead of pasta on any pasta dish? I didn't know this but sure am glad I found out!

Chili's This link will take you to their Lighter Choice Menu

Order any protein and vegetables only. They have great burgers. Just make sure you order them lettuce wrapped and with no added ketchup or bar-b-q sauce! Watch out for those hidden carbs! 

Most restaurants allow you to make changes, specially if you are asking them to remove an item from the plate not adding! 

In-N-Out This is their Not So Secret Menu
I know this one is a no brainer but I couldn't not include it! Just remember: Lettuce wrap with no ketchup and no house dressing! You can add mayo and mustard on any burger! Heck, get it animal style, minus their house dressing!

Carl's Jr. Menu and Nutrition

Their $6 dollar burgers lettuce wrapped are amazing! Follow the same recommendations for the In-N-Out burgers.

Cracker Barrel Yes!!!!! 

I have checked their virtual menu and they offer Low-Carb options for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. 

This is one of those places I plan my road trips around and I will confess that I do plan cheats. Just remember that everyday is not a Cracker Barrel day :)

This is what a Cracker Barrel's Low-Carb meals look like. Not bad, right?

Photo taken by Examiner.com

I could go on but for today I'm done... Where do you go and enjoy a Low-Carb meal?

Just remember to plan as much as you can and enjoy!

TO BE CONTINUED...

Lilly's Recipes-Mexican Bunuelos

Today I'm going to be sharing one of those recipes I personally can't eat anymore but that deserve for me to share! I first learned this recipe when I was a little girl from my sister's ex-mother-in-law Dona Juanita and I thought I would share it with My Lilly!

My daughter Lilly has become the baker in our family since I'm still limited in how much work I do around here. It's been a hit anywhere she has taken it and very simple to make.

Recipe:
Large Frying Pan
Enough Vegetable oil to fry food
1 pack of Large Flour Tortillas
1 cup white sugar
1/2-1 TBS Cinnamon (decide how much you would like)
Paper Towels

 Mix Sugar and Cinnamon

 The mix will look like this

I tried using whole wheat flour tortillas but they didn't become crispy. Use regular flour tortillas!

My daughter didn't continue to take pictures to show you the finished product. Here is the recipe pictures from Muy Bueno blog.

Test your oil to make sure it is hot enough to fry food.

Fry each side for about 30 sec. or until nicely browned but not burned!

Remove from oil and place on a plate covered with a Paper Towel. This is done just to remove the excess oil not to dry!

Quickly transfer your fried flour tortilla to the sugar/cinnamon mix and turn on both sides.

Here is the flour tortilla and how it would look before you add the sugar/cinnamon mix

Photo taken from Mexico in my Kitchen.

Here is the finished product. Photo taken from La Cocina de Nathan ...I'm in love with this blog!!!

You could try making them from scratch just click this link or this link.

I'm a Semi-Homemade kinda girl and I'm teaching my daughter to become one too! I prefer to buy the flour tortillas :)

Here is my Lilly, being her silly self!

Enjoy!

This Recipe is link to: