The low-carb and keto diets have taken the country by storm the last few years, and they aren’t going away anytime soon. One of the hardest parts about living these lifestyles is figuring out what to eat when you go out. After living the low-carb lifestyle for around three years, I have discovered some of the best places to eat low-carb and keto in Albuquerque.
Low Carb/Keto Lifestyle
Confession: I really hate the term “diet.” I mean, it has the word “die” built right in! I prefer the term “lifestyle” because it implies you aren’t trying to get a quick fix but really change your life. All my life, I struggled with my weight, and it wasn’t until I was diagnosed with PCOS that I realized I had been approaching my “healthy eating” the wrong way. Many women with PCOS are resistant to insulin and, therefore, cannot process sugar correctly.
When my doctor suggested I try a low-carb lifestyle, I was super hesitant because ya girl loves her bread, pasta, and potatoes. But I was trying to get pregnant at the time, and the only way it would happen naturally was if I went low carb.
I don’t do keto, mostly because I’m lazy and don’t want to track all those little things, but low carb has really helped me. Within three months of starting low carb, I lost 30 pounds, my cycles regulated, and by five months, I was pregnant with my first baby.
Now, low carb and keto aren’t for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.
The one thing I missed when I first went low-carb was eating out. I thought if I didn’t make it in my own kitchen, there was no way I could stay on track and meet my goals. But as I got further in my journey, I discovered that there are indeed places to eat low carb and keto in Albuquerque.
Places To Eat Breakfast Low-Carb and Keto in Albuquerque
Anyone on a low-carb or keto diet can tell you that breakfast is usually the easiest meal to plan for as long as you like eggs. There are so many egg recipes that it makes my head spin. But if you’re craving a good low-carb and keto breakfast, look no further than these fine places.
Blake’s Lotaburger
Are you even from Albuquerque if you don’t love a good Blake’s breakfast burrito? They are seriously to die for. Order your favorite burrito without potatoes, dump everything in a bowl, and ditch the tortilla. Easy peasy! The same thing works at Golden Pride and pretty much any other burrito place; just leave off the potatoes and/or beans. And definitely stay away from the sweet rolls (sad day!).
Chick-fil-a
I’m a sucker for Chick-fil-a’s breakfast. My favorite is the chicken biscuit sandwich, but it’s seriously not low-carb. If you’re craving the Lord’s chicken, order the grilled breakfast filet (or grilled nuggets) and kale crunch side salad.
Flying Star
Build an omelet at Flying Star and be prepared for amazingness. You can add tons of keto-friendly ingredients like cheese, spinach, bacon, turkey sausage, and avocado. Just stay away from the tomatoes and nix the fries and toast. They have several other yummy breakfast plates; just don’t get the fries or bread many of them include.
McDonald’s
One ABQ Mom contributor loves a good ol’ Egg McMuffin for an easy keto breakfast. Double the egg, and throw away the bun!
Places To Eat Lunch and Dinner Low-Carb and Keto in Albuquerque
B2B Bistronomy Beer and Burgers
This hidden gem in Nob Hill is one of my favorite places to eat low-carb and keto in Albuquerque. Their burgers are amazing! To order low-carb, ask for your favorite burger in a bowl with a tossed salad.
El Pinto
El Pinto has a health conscious section on their menu. Their chicken dish with salad is a yummy choice that’s low carb.
Five Guys
This popular chain will do pretty much any burger or sandwich in a bowl or lettuce wrap. Unfortunately, you have to forgo the yummy fries, but hey, you get used to it.
Red Robin
Red Robin will do any of their burgers wrapped in lettuce instead of buns. They also let you substitute broccoli for fries. With over two dozen burgers on their menu (not even counting chicken and other sandwiches), you’re sure to find something you’ll like.
Chipotle
I’m not the biggest fan of Chipotle (just personal preference), but I know many people love it. They just launched their new Lifestyle Bowls, and they honestly look pretty good. In addition to their Keto Bowls, they also have Paleo, Whole30, High Protein, Vegan, and Vegetarian.
Dion’s
It took some doing to find a low-carb option at this Albuquerque staple, but I did it. Obviously, the pizzas and subs are out (unless they’ll do the sub in a bowl . . . I’ve never asked!). The best low-carb salad I’ve ordered is the Ranch Salad. Ask for extra meat and cheese, and leave off the tomatoes, croutons, and mix, and you’re good to go!
Panda Express
Substitute your rice or noodles for greens, and you’ve got a delicious meal.
Jersey Mike’s
At this sub shop, you can get any sandwich made in a salad form. Easy peasy!
Cheesecake Factory
Though you might struggle to walk past all those cheesecakes without ordering, Cheesecake Factory has a GIANT menu with many low-carb options.
Places To Get Low-Carb and Keto Coffee in Albuquerque
Most coffee places will customize your coffee as much as you like. Whether you are a diehard Starbucks lady or a hip local coffee shop gal, you can indulge in your daily caffeine fix while keeping it low-carb or keto.
The key to ordering coffee low-carb is all in the mix-ins. Substitute heavy cream or a little almond milk for regular milk or half-and-half. Ask for sugar-free syrup in place of regular syrup.
Use Nutrition Calculators
Many different places, especially chain restaurants, have nutrition calculators on their apps or websites. Places like Chipotle, Burger King, and Panera let you see the nutrition information for their menu items and see how it changes if you add or take away certain ingredients.
If you’re trying to keep up with your 2020 health goals, you don’t have to constantly make every meal at home. I hope this list of places to eat low-carb and keto in Albuquerque helps you get out and enjoy our city. And don’t forget to focus on meeting your other goals this year!
Originally published January 2020.
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The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ABQ Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
