By this point, New Year’s resolutions are in full swing, with healthy eating being at the top of a lot of people’s lists in Charlotte and elsewhere. Have you decided to go keto? You’ll have a lot of company.
The ketogenic diet prioritizes eating low-carb, moderate protein and high-fat foods in order to send the body to a state of burning fat rather than carbohydrates.
But, trying a new diet for the new year brings the age-old question: What about eating out?
We scoured Charlotte menus for the right foods so you don’t have to.
PRO TIPS: When eating out on the keto diet …
Avoid additional sauces that can often have hidden sugars.
Skip the bread.
Stick to protein, fats and healthy carbohydrates with plenty of fiber.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and modify the dish (if the restaurant permits).
Swap fries for green veggies.
Here are some healthy keto-friendly dishes from Charlotte restaurants to try out:
Ace No. 3
Location: 1001 Belmont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Location: 829 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
Location: 8520 Pit Stop Ct NW #10, Concord, NC 28027
Cuisine: American
Dish to try: Go for a double cheeseburger with a keto bun (it’s from locally owned Unbelievabuns). You can also get a lettuce wrap, but trust us on the Unbelievabuns — they are really good!
Abugida Cafe
Location: 3007 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Dish to try: Yedoro Alecha, tender chicken leg cooked simmered in Ethiopian herbed butter, garlic, onion and curry spiced sauce with boiled egg.
Blaze Pizza
Location: 1750 Camden Rd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Location: 8948 J M Keynes Dr #400, Charlotte, NC 28262
Cuisine: Pizza
Dish to try: The restaurant serves up a keto pizza, with a keto (and gluten free) crust, spicy red sauce, mozzarella, ovalini mozzarella, bacon, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms and spinach.
Fin & Fino
Location: 135 Levine Avenue of the Arts #100, Charlotte, NC 28202
Cuisine: Seafood
Dish to try: For those who love a little extra spice, try the mussels, served with a garlic-curry broth, fennel and lime. To avoid the added carbs, skip the bread.
Let’s Meat KBBQ
Location: 1400 Church Street B, Charlotte, NC 28203
Cuisine: Korean barbecue
Dish to try: At this all-you-can-eat…