Oklahoma City boasts a diverse culinary scene, and for those adhering to a ketogenic lifestyle, finding suitable dining options is becoming increasingly easier. While dedicated "keto restaurants" might be a rarity, several establishments offer keto-friendly dishes or are willing to adapt their menus to accommodate specific dietary needs. This guide explores some options and considerations for keto dieters in Oklahoma City.
Understanding the Ketogenic Diet
Before delving into restaurant recommendations, it's essential to understand the basics of the ketogenic diet. Keto is a high-fat, very low-carbohydrate diet that forces the body to enter a metabolic state called ketosis. In ketosis, the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This process can lead to weight loss and other potential health benefits.
The typical macronutrient breakdown for a keto diet is:
- 70-80% of calories from fat
- 20-25% of calories from protein
- 5-10% of calories from carbohydrates
When dining out on a keto diet, it's crucial to be mindful of hidden carbohydrates in sauces, dressings, and side dishes. It's always a good idea to ask your server about the ingredients and preparation methods.
Restaurants with Keto-Friendly Options
While a restaurant might not explicitly advertise itself as "keto," many establishments in Oklahoma City offer dishes that can be easily modified to fit a ketogenic diet. Here are some examples:
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- Steakhouses: Steakhouses are generally a safe bet for keto dieters. Opt for a grilled steak with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad with a vinaigrette dressing. Avoid mashed potatoes, bread, and sugary sauces. Not a steak type of guy but I'd go back here for the country fried steak!!! BOMB!!
- Seafood Restaurants: Seafood is another excellent keto-friendly option. Grilled fish, shrimp, and lobster are all low in carbohydrates and high in protein and healthy fats. Be cautious of breaded or battered seafood, and ask for sauces on the side. I am bias to their Shrimp and Grits. So very good. Excellent simply excellent.
- Mexican Restaurants: Mexican food can be tricky, but with careful ordering, you can enjoy a keto-friendly meal. Opt for fajitas without the tortillas, and load up on the meat, cheese, and guacamole. Avoid rice, beans, and sugary margaritas.
- American Cuisine: Restaurants serving American cuisine often have burgers that can be ordered without the bun. Salads are available and you can add meat to them.
- The Press: This restaurant offers a great menu of classic dishes with a fun twist. It has that style still. I had the Chilequiles and they were delicious! I ordered the eggs over medium and they were cooked perfectly!! The bloody mary and cheap sunglasses were great as well. Our server was awesome. This place is underrated! The Caesar salad was surprising with capers and I loved it.
Tips for Keto Dining in Oklahoma City
Here are some general tips for navigating the Oklahoma City restaurant scene while following a ketogenic diet:
- Plan Ahead: Before heading out, browse the restaurant's menu online to identify potential keto-friendly options.
- Communicate with Your Server: Don't hesitate to ask your server about the ingredients and preparation methods of dishes. Explain your dietary needs and request modifications as needed.
- Request Substitutions: Ask for vegetables instead of starchy sides like potatoes, rice, or pasta.
- Be Mindful of Sauces and Dressings: Many sauces and dressings contain hidden sugars and carbohydrates. Opt for oil and vinegar or ask for sauces on the side so you can control the amount you consume.
- Avoid Bread and Tortillas: Politely decline bread baskets and tortilla chips.
- Choose Keto-Friendly Beverages: Stick to water, unsweetened tea, or black coffee. Avoid sugary sodas, juices, and alcoholic beverages high in carbohydrates. The bloody mary and cheap sunglasses were great as well.
- Read Reviews: Online reviews can provide valuable insights into other diners' experiences with keto modifications at specific restaurants.
- Consider Catering: If you're hosting an event, consider catering from a restaurant that can accommodate keto dietary needs. Let us cater your next event. The Press would be honored to provide our services for your next event.
The Press: A Closer Look
The Press is one particular restaurant mentioned as a potential option. It's located in a building with a cool aesthetic, formerly a newspaper press. This place is underrated! It's so good with a great menu of classic dishes with a fun twist. The fact the building was an old newspaper press is so cool! It has that style still.
Customer reviews highlight several dishes that could be adapted for a keto diet:
- Chilequiles: While traditionally served with tortilla chips, you could ask for the chilequiles to be served without the chips and focus on the eggs, cheese, and sauce. I had the Chilequiles and they were delicious! I ordered the eggs over medium and they were cooked perfectly!!
- Shrimp and Grits: Request the dish without the grits or with a very small portion, emphasizing the shrimp and sauce. I am bias to their Shrimp and Grits. So very good. Excellent simply excellent.
- Country Fried Steak: While breaded, you could inquire if it can be prepared without the breading or remove the breading yourself. Not a steak type of guy but I'd go back here for the country fried steak!!! BOMB!!
- Caesar Salad: This salad is keto-friendly, especially if you order it without croutons. The Caesar salad was surprising with capers and I loved it.
Remember to always confirm ingredients and request modifications to ensure the dishes align with your ketogenic diet.
Private Events and Catering
Many restaurants in Oklahoma City, including The Press, offer private event spaces and catering services. Need the space for your event? Reserve Pick Up Your Favorite Food. Don't feel like cooking today? If you're planning a gathering and have guests following a ketogenic diet, consider booking a private event or utilizing catering services to ensure there are suitable meal options available. When booking, discuss your dietary requirements with the restaurant or caterer in advance to create a customized keto-friendly menu.
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