The ketogenic diet is a popular diet that is becoming increasingly popular among people who want to lose weight, improve their health, and increase their energy levels. The diet involves consuming high amounts of fat, moderate amounts of protein, and low amounts of carbohydrates. However, it can be challenging to find suitable foods to eat when following a ketogenic diet, especially when you are on-the-go. Fast food restaurants are a convenient option when you need a quick meal, but many of the options are high in carbs. In this article, we will discuss the best fast food for a keto lunch.
What is the Keto Diet?
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carbohydrate diet. The goal is to get the body into a state of ketosis, where it is burning fat for fuel instead of glucose. This is achieved by reducing carbohydrate intake to a minimum and increasing fat intake. When the body is in ketosis, it produces ketones, which are used for energy instead of glucose.
Fast Food on a Keto Diet
Fast food is not typically associated with a healthy diet, but there are ways to make it work when you are on a keto diet. Many fast food restaurants offer low-carb options that are suitable for a ketogenic diet. The key is to look for foods that are high in fat and protein and low in carbohydrates. Some of the best fast food options for a keto lunch include:
Best Fast Food for Keto Lunch
- Chipotle
Chipotle is a popular fast food chain that specializes in Mexican cuisine. They offer a variety of keto-friendly options, including salads, bowls, and burritos. The key is to avoid the tortilla and rice and load up on high-fat ingredients like guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and meat. A typical keto-friendly order at Chipotle might include a salad bowl with lettuce, chicken, guacamole, cheese, and sour cream.
- Five Guys
Five Guys is a popular fast food chain that specializes in burgers and fries. While the fries are off-limits on a keto diet, there are still plenty of options for a keto-friendly meal. The burgers can be ordered without a bun, and you can add toppings like bacon, cheese, and avocado. You can also order a side of bacon or a lettuce-wrapped hot dog for an extra boost of fat and protein.
- Subway
Subway is a fast food chain that specializes in sandwiches. While most of their sandwiches are high in carbohydrates, they do offer a low-carb option called the Subway Salad. The Subway Salad is a salad bowl that can be customized with your choice of protein and toppings. To make it keto-friendly, you will want to avoid the croutons and load up on high-fat toppings like avocado, cheese, and bacon.
- KFC
KFC is a fast food chain that specializes in fried chicken. While fried chicken is typically high in carbohydrates due to the breading, KFC offers a grilled chicken option that is suitable for a keto diet. You can also order a side of green beans or coleslaw for a low-carb side dish.
- McDonald’s
McDonald’s is a fast food chain that is known for its burgers and fries. While the fries are off-limits on a keto diet, there are still plenty of options for a keto-friendly meal. You can order a burger without the bun and add toppings like bacon and cheese. You can also order a salad with grilled chicken and a high-fat dressing like ranch or blue cheese.
- Wendy’s
Wendy’s is a fast food chain that specializes in burgers, chicken, and salads. They offer a keto-friendly option called the “Baconator” that includes two beef patties, bacon, cheese, and mayonnaise. You can also order a grilled chicken sandwich without the bun and add toppings like avocado and cheese.
- Burger King
Burger King is a fast food chain that offers burgers, chicken, and salads. Like many other fast food chains, you can order a burger without the bun and add toppings like bacon, cheese, and avocado. They also offer a grilled chicken sandwich that can be ordered without the bun and customized with high-fat toppings.
- Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A is a fast food chain that specializes in chicken sandwiches and nuggets. While most of their menu items are high in carbohydrates, they do offer a grilled chicken sandwich that can be customized without the bun. You can also order a side of grilled chicken nuggets or a salad with high-fat toppings like avocado and cheese.
- Taco Bell
Taco Bell is a fast food chain that specializes in Mexican-inspired cuisine. While many of their menu items are high in carbohydrates, they do offer a “Power Bowl” that can be customized to fit a keto diet. The Power Bowl includes grilled chicken, lettuce, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. You can also order a salad and add high-fat toppings like cheese and avocado.
- Panera Bread
Panera Bread is a fast food chain that specializes in sandwiches, salads, and soups. While most of their menu items are high in carbohydrates, they do offer a “You Pick Two” option that includes a salad and soup. You can choose a salad with high-fat toppings like avocado and cheese and pair it with a soup that is low in carbs, such as broccoli cheddar.
Conclusion
Following a keto diet doesn’t mean you have to give up fast food altogether. There are plenty of fast food options that are suitable for a keto-friendly lunch. The key is to focus on high-fat and protein options and avoid carbohydrates. Many fast food chains offer salads, bowls, and sandwiches that can be customized to fit a keto diet. It’s important to pay attention to the ingredients and choose ones that are low in carbs and high in fat. Some additional fast food options that can work for a keto lunch include: