Today, let us find out about some cheap keto fast food options. The keto diet has become quite popular, mainly for its potential to help with weight loss and improve health. This high-fat, low-carb diet shifts the body’s metabolism towards fats and ketones rather than carbs and sugars. But what happens when you’re on the go, and you can’t prepare a home-cooked meal?
Can you still stick to your keto diet without breaking the bank? The answer is a resounding “yes”! So, let us guide you through various budget-friendly keto fast food options to ensure your diet remains on track even on your busiest days.
Understanding Your Cheap Keto Fast Food Options
Before diving into the options, it’s crucial to comprehend how to identify keto-friendly choices on a fast food menu. Foods high in protein and fat with minimal carbs align well with the keto diet. Luckily, many fast food chains offer meals or modifications to suit this dietary preference.
- Grilled chicken or burger without bun or toppings
- Lettuce-wrapped sandwiches or burgers
- Salads with low-carb dressings and toppings like grilled chicken, bacon, and avocado
- Bunless breakfast sandwiches with eggs, cheese, and sausage or bacon
- Snack options like nuts, cheese sticks, and hard-boiled eggs
- Keto-friendly sides like broccoli or green beans
- Low-carb options at fast food chains like Chipotle, Subway, and Jimmy John’s
Bunless Burgers and Sandwiches
Fast food chains are notorious for their burger and sandwich offerings. But those buns? They’re packed with carbs. However, many establishments now offer bunless versions of their menu items. A bunless burger can be wrapped in lettuce or served in a bowl with keto-friendly toppings like cheese, bacon, avocados, and a low-sugar sauce.
Also Read: Dutch Bros Keto Drinks: Unveiling Keto-Friendly Options at Dutch Bros
Best Picks:
- McDonald’s Quarter Pounder (no bun, no ketchup)
- Wendy’s Baconator (no bun, no ketchup)
- Subway’s salads with meat (e.g., chicken or turkey) and full-fat dressing
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is another excellent choice for keto fast food. It’s high in protein and low in carbs, especially when you skip the sugary sauces. Order a grilled chicken salad or a bunless chicken sandwich to stay within your keto limits.
Best Picks:
- Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets or Grilled Chicken Cool Wrap (without the wrap)
- KFC Grilled Chicken
Salads with High-Fat Dressings
Salads seem like the obvious healthy choice at fast food chains. However, not all salads are created equal when it comes to the keto diet. Avoid salads with high-carb additions like croutons, sweetened dried fruit, or sugary dressings. Instead, opt for salads with plenty of leafy greens, some protein (chicken, beef, or eggs), cheese, and a high-fat, low-sugar dressing.
Best Picks:
- Chipotle Salad Bowl with carnitas, cheese, guacamole, and salsa
- Wendy’s Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad (half size)
Low-Carb Mexican Food
Mexican fast food can be a treasure trove of keto-friendly options if you know what to look for. Opt for bowl options instead of burritos or tacos and load up on meats, cheese, and vegetables, while skipping rice, beans, and corn.
Best Picks:
- Chipotle Steak or Chicken Bowl (no rice or beans, but with cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and guacamole)
- Taco Bell Power Menu Bowl (no rice or beans)
Lettuce-Wrapped Tacos and Burritos
Much like bunless burgers, many Mexican fast food chains offer lettuce-wrapped versions of their burritos and tacos. This swap significantly reduces the carb count and can be a tasty alternative.
Best Picks:
- Taco Bell’s mini skillet bowl (without potatoes)
- Del Taco’s lettuce-wrapped tacos
| Fast Food Restaurant | Meal Option | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich (no bun) | 2g |
| Subway | Oven Roasted Chicken Salad (no dressing) | 8g |
| Taco Bell | Power Menu Bowl (no rice or beans) | 6g |
| Wendy’s | Baconator (no bun) | 2g |
| Burger King | Whopper (no bun, no ketchup) | 1g |
| Chipotle | Salad with Chicken, Cheese, Sour Cream and Salsa | 7g |
| KFC | Grilled Chicken Breast | 0g |
| In-N-Out Burger | Protein Style Burger (no bun) | 8g |
| Chick-fil-A | Grilled Chicken Nuggets | 2g |
| Starbucks | Sous Vide Egg Bites: Bacon & Gruyere | 9g |
| Panera Bread | Caesar Salad with Chicken (no croutons) | 6g |
| Domino’s | Chicken Wings (hot, BBQ, or plain) | 3g – 5g |
No Sugary Drinks
While water is always the best option, sometimes you need a little something more. Diet soda, unsweetened iced tea, and black coffee are all great choices that won’t derail your keto diet.
Also Read: A Deep Dive Into The Keto Diet: Are Pears Keto Friendly?
Beware of Hidden Carbs
While these options are keto-friendly, be wary of hidden carbs in sauces, dressings, and even marinated meats. Always ask for nutritional information or check online before ordering.
Final Thoughts: Your Budget-friendly Keto Fast Food Options
Maintaining a keto diet while relying on fast food isn’t impossible. There are plenty of delicious, low-carb, high-fat options out there that won’t empty your wallet. Remember, the key to staying on track with your keto goals is preparation and knowledge. Be aware of what you’re ordering, don’t be afraid to ask for modifications, and stay clear of hidden carbs.
Fast food might not be the ideal health choice, but in a pinch, these options can keep your keto diet on track. Happy keto dining on the go!
Are There Any Keto-Friendly Fast Food Desserts?
Finding keto-friendly fast food desserts can be more challenging. However, some places offer low-sugar or no-sugar-added options like whipped cream or a small fruit bowl (remember, not all fruits are keto-friendly). You might also find some chains offering sugar-free or low-sugar beverages that can satisfy a sweet tooth.
What Sauces and Condiments are Keto-Friendly?
Sauces and condiments can be tricky, as many contain added sugars. In general, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, and yellow mustard are usually safe options. Hot sauces can also be a good choice, as they’re typically low in carbs. Always ask for the nutritional information before adding a sauce or condiment to your meal.
Can I Eat Pizza on a Keto Diet?
While traditional pizza, with its carb-heavy crust, is not keto-friendly, many pizza chains now offer alternatives that can fit into a information, keto diet. For example, some places offer a thin, chicken-based crust or even a cauliflower crust. Always remember to double-check the nutritional information as some crust alternatives might still be high in carbs.
Can I have fries or chips on a keto diet?
Unfortunately, fries and chips are typically high in carbs and not suitable for a keto diet. However, some fast food chains may offer alternative side dishes like a side salad or steamed veggies that are more keto-friendly.
Can I eat Chinese or Indian fast food on a keto diet?
It can be a bit trickier to find keto options at Chinese or Indian fast food restaurants because many dishes are served with rice or contain sauces with added sugar. However, you can look for dishes that are primarily meat and vegetables and ask for them to be prepared without any sugary sauces.
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