I can only speak for myself here, but going out to eat is a damn treat—and honestly, not one you can have very often when you’re on a diet.
The keto diet in particular is one of those diets that lets you have precisely zero restaurant fun, especially when it comes to those standard bar and grill-type places (ahem, Applebee’s) that specialize in the burger-and-fries meals that are are basically outlawed on keto.
But you’re in luck—I love scoping out the menu (and, okay, the nutrition info, too) before hitting up a restaurant, so I scoured Applebee’s website to find the most keto-friendly (a.k.a., low-carb, high-fat) options you can get at the ‘Bee’s when you go there for dinner tonight (because you know you’re going to want to after reading this).
1. Caesar Salad
Wherever you go, Caesar salad is typically a safe bet (just make sure to ask for it without the croutons). The creamy, garlicky, cheesy dressing is a home run on the keto diet. And honestly, what other diet is actually going to encourage you to get the Caesar salad instead of the garden?
Per serving: 220 calories, 18 g fat (3.5 g sat fat), 360 mg sodium, 11 g carbohydrates, 2 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 4 g protein.
2. Green Goddess Wedge
Here’s the thing: While, yes, Caesar salad is always a safe choice on the keto diet, if you can get something of the green goddess variety—like this option at Applebee’s—go for it (this one’s not only got green goddess dressing, but it’s also topped with pecans and blue cheese).
Per serving: 540 calories, 51 g fat (11 g sat fat), 1140 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrates, 7 g sugar, 3 g fiber, 10 g protein.
3. Broccoli Cheese Soup
Let’s be real here: Is there anything better than broccoli cheese soup? Pair this with a Caesar salad (again, hold the croutons), and you’ve got a super keto-friendly meal.
Per serving: 280 calories, 22 g fat (14 g sat fat), 1340 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrates, 5 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 11 g protein.
4. New England Clam Chowder
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Soup is the perfect keto meal—especially if it’s of the creamy variety. Also to note: Seafood in general is super-low in carbs, so while there might be a potato or two in here, you can’t beat that 12-gram carb count.
Per serving: 190 calories, 13 g fat (8 g sat fat), 770 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrates, 1 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 5 g protein.
5. USDA Select Sirloin
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Around here, grilling is always in season. Photo credit: @lad1jaethechef #Applebees #Fantographer #WoodFired
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You know what has zero (or at least very few carbs?): steak. That’s why this sirloin option is a great choice—just make sure not to get a side of fries or a baked potato. Instead, opt for the fire-grilled veggies (nine grams of carbs) or the steamed broccoli (six grams of carbs). Oh, and feel free to snag the Shrimp N Parm Topper for an extra four grams of carbs.
Per serving: 280 calories, 12 g fat (5 g sat fat), 1010 mg sodium, 1 g carbohydrates, 0 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 43 g protein.
6. Shrimp ‘N Parmesan Sirloin
This meal’s got shrimp, cheese, and steak—what more could a keto dieter want in a restaurant meal? (I know, pasta…but you can’t have that right now, so this will do.)
Per serving: 560 calories, 35 g fat (19 g sat fat), 1900 mg sodium, 5 g carbohydrates, 2 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 55 g protein.
7. Grilled Chicken Breast
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It’s time to cast your vote for dinner. Photo credit: @dp_on_the_go #Applebees #Fantographer #WoodFired
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Chicken’s right up there with steak in terms of keto-friendliness—it has zero carbs when prepared without any extras. Get creative and ask for a chicken breast to top your Caesar salad (or green goddess wedge) to turn that app into a full-blown meal. Better yet, order it with a side of garlicky green beans (11 grams of carbs) along with a grilled shrimp skewer (one gram of carbs).
Per serving: 190 calories, 4 g fat (1.5 g sat fat), 1080 mg sodium, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 38 g protein.
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