Reliable website for restaurant nutrition?

(Ganell) #1

I travel a lot for my job, so unfortunately eating out often is part of my life. I am researching everything I eat to ensure it is ok, but I find so many inconsistencies for menu items.

The salad at Zoe’s (lettuce, a slice of bell pepper, feta cheese, and onion diced) said it was 30ish carbs. How is that possible?

Also, I got a wedgie burger at Red Robin. The Royal burger. It has an egg, meat patty, no tomatoes or sauces, bacon. No lettuce. I have seen anywhere from 3 carbs to 14 carbs!

Suggestions?? Do you guys have a reliable website you use or method?

Thank you!

(Lazy, Dirty Keto 😝) #2

I use Cronometer mainly; however, not every restaurant item is on there obviously. In those cases I go to the restaurant website itself and look at the nutrition info. Then I’ll add it as a custom food in cronometer.

(Gregory - You can teach an old dog new tricks.) #3

I wouldn’t trust any web site… What they put on the web, and what they do in the kitchen could be way different. It may be different between locations.

The salad at Zoe’s (lettuce, a slice of bell pepper, feta cheese, and onion diced) said it was 30ish carbs. How is that possible?

It may not have been net carbs, and may have included some kind of default dressing.

#4

The safest way would be to go to the restaurant website. If it is a chain restaurant then it should have that info listed. You also have to keep in mind that what they have listed is in anticipation that you will eat everything included. I went to a Panda Express the other day and the items that even sounded low carb were showing 10-15 gram carb range on the website. When I got my two low carb sounding items I quickly figured out that almost the entire carb count had to be the abundance of peppers and onions in the dish. I ended up eating all the meat and maybe 1/4 of the peppers and onions.

(Jane) #5

Restaurants aren’t required to publish nutrition information like foods in a grocery store so you cannot trust their website info.

I looked up a cup of chili at Freddy’s and it was crazy high - even for chili with no beans… but it came with a package of round crackers and that was obviously counted also.

I travel a lot for my job so in the same boat. It is easier on maintenance but can be a challenge while still trying to lose weight.

My advice is to stick to the simplest foods you can. Avoid all sauces, gravies and dressings as these have the greatest potential to have hidden carbs.

Some suggestions that work for me: bunless burgers, steaks, salads with meat using oil and vinegar (or just accept the extra carbs in a creamy dressing but make sure not low fat), bacon and eggs, deli meat wrapped around cheese (I keep in my hotel fridge), grilled chicken with extra mayo or butter, grilled shrimp, fajitas or ground beef salads at Mexican retaurants loaded with cheese, sour cream and guacamole. Ask for the salad in a regular bowl or plate so not tempted to munch on the fried tortilla bowl.

(Ganell) #6

Thank you everyone! This is super helpful!

I have been looking up individual food item carbs and adding together, but still wasn’t sure this was accurate!

I am actually loving the keto way of life! I am not supposed to have gluten for my thyroid and it had been so easy to avoid!!

#7

Steakhouses, buffet places (asian) and major fast food joints are pretty reliable.