5 Fast Food Options with Low-Carb Choices

When it comes to sticking to a low-carb or keto diet, finding suitable options at fast food restaurants might seem challenging. However, with a bit of strategic menu selection, you can make healthier choices without compromising your dietary goals. Here are five top restaurants with excellent low-carb options:

1. KFC Grilled Chicken

At KFC, the classic fried chicken might seem tempting, but it’s laden with carbs: 8-11 grams per piece. Instead, opt for the grilled chicken which contains only 1 gram of carbs per piece. For sides, choose either green beans (2 grams of carbs per serving) or coleslaw (10 grams of digestible carbs per serving).

2. Subway Sub In A Tub

Most Subway subs are high in carbs, with around 50 grams per sandwich. However, the Sub In A Tub option offers a significant reduction in carbs. Popular low-carb choices include:

Turkey Breast with Provolone Cheese: 8 grams of total carbs. California Sub: 9 grams of total carbs. Club Supreme: 11 grams of total carbs.

To further reduce carbs, order your preferred sub as a salad to avoid the bread altogether.

3. Five Guys Burger Bowl

For those who love burgers, Five Guys offers the Burger Bowl which is a perfect choice for a low-carb option. A single Five Guys Burger Bowl contains just 6 grams of carbs, 24 grams of protein, and 41 grams of fat, making it an ideal “keto” meal. This bunless burger is a carb-conscious delight, especially for those following a strict keto diet.

4. Panera Bread Power Breakfast Bowl

The Panera Bread Power Breakfast Bowl, despite including the word “bread,” is actually excellent for those on a low-carb diet. It comes without the bread and includes:

Steak or Turkey Spinach Bell Peppers Basil Tomatoes Avocado 2 Whole Eggs or 2 Egg Whites

The steak version contains 5 grams of carbs and 20 grams of protein. The turkey version contains 7 grams of carbs and 25 grams of protein. This egg-based breakfast option is a great choice for those aiming to keep their carbs low while satiating their appetite.

5. Arby’s Breadless Sandwiches

Arby’s is not just for beef lovers. They offer a variety of meat options including steak, chicken, turkey, ham, and brisket. All of these can be ordered without the bun, making them a suitable choice for a low-carb diet. My favorite is the Brisket with Gouda cheese, which contains only 5 grams of carbs and 32 grams of protein. Each sandwich comes with a helpful nutrition calculator on the website, allowing you to tailor your order to your specific dietary needs.

Conclusion

While not all fast food options are created equal, with a little digging and strategic menu selection, you can enjoy your favorite meals while staying on track with a low-carb or keto diet. Whether it’s a grilled chicken from KFC, a Sub In A Tub from Subway, a Burger Bowl from Five Guys, a Power Breakfast Bowl from Panera, or a breadless sandwich from Arby’s, these options offer satisfying and nutritious choices that won't derail your dietary goals.