One of my favorite ways to eat out is at an Indian restaurant - but I have to admit this is rather challenging to do if you're on a low carb or Atkins diet.

It seems that just about every dish you eat in an Indian restaurant involves a chickpea batter, yummy rice, bread, or all three. My favorite pakoras and samosas are all not only breaded but then are deep fried - two no-nos. I love naan bread with tamarind sauce. I love the fragrant basmati rice. All of that type of high-starch food should be avoided or at least saved for a very occasional splurge.

As with any meal, your best bet is to start with a salad. Most Indian restaurants offer salads with oil and vinegar. That will begin filling up your stomach at least. The vinegar will also help your stomach efficiently digest the food.

Drink ample water and get a nice bottle of wine for some flavor.

We used to love "aloo gobi" which was potato, cauliflower in a great light sauce. Now we ask for "gobi gobi" which is in essence the exact same thing without potato. Even if it's not on the menu, ask for it and I'm sure they'll make some up for you. Eat it without rice of course. Cauliflower is only 1.5g/serving so that's pretty much the carb count for this dish. The spices are absolutely delicious with this.

My other favorite was always palak paneer or lamb paneer. The dishes are also called saag depending on which restaurant you go to. This is a spinach dish. If you don't like spinach, really, try it anyway - it is quite good and healthy for you too. The lamb version is great but you can get it with chicken or beef too. Spinach is only about .2g/serving so regardless of what small spices and/or other items your restaurant adds in, your carb count will probably still be under 1g.

So it's definitely possible to eat well at an Indian restaurant and still find the tasty options. Be sure to get some fennel seeds afterward!

Restaurant Reviews for Low Carb Dieters
Tips for Eating Out on an Atkins Diet


Lisa Shea's Library of Low Carb Books