Omaha, Nebraska, is increasingly embracing the ketogenic lifestyle, offering a variety of dining options for those following a low-carb, high-fat diet. Whether you're a local resident or just visiting, this guide will help you navigate the keto scene in Omaha, highlighting key restaurants, bakeries, and tips for staying on track.
The Rise of Keto in Omaha
The ketogenic diet, often referred to as "keto," has gained significant popularity as a method for weight loss and overall health improvement. This diet emphasizes consuming more calories from protein and fats while drastically reducing carbohydrate intake. The goal is to induce a metabolic state called ketosis, where the body burns fat for fuel instead of glucose.
Omaha has seen a surge in keto-friendly options, driven by local businesses and health-conscious individuals. This article explores the best places to find keto meals and products in Omaha.
The Omaha Bakery: A Keto Mecca
One of the most prominent names in the Omaha keto scene is The Omaha Bakery. Founded by Michelle Kaiser, who herself has experienced significant weight loss through a keto lifestyle (losing 125 lbs), the bakery has become a go-to resource for keto enthusiasts.
Extensive Keto Offerings
The Omaha Bakery stands out due to its wide array of keto products. As of summer 2018, they offered as many as 40 different keto delicacies daily. This includes not only baked goods but also keto meals like lasagna and chili. They even provide keto meals for four, prepared and ready to go.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Michelle Kaiser noted, "When someone asks, ‘Do you have keto?’ I point to the top two shelves. It’s so novel to have more than one keto product."
The bakery continually updates its menu, offering 12-15 delicious, nutritious meals each week. These meals are cooked from scratch by keto chefs, using fresh ingredients. Customers can pick up their favorite meals, loaves of bread, and desserts, which can be easily heated in the oven or microwave.
Collaboration with Experts
To further enhance their keto offerings, The Omaha Bakery has partnered with Dr. Jamie Seeman, a board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist with a background in Nutrition, Exercise, and Health Science. Together, they host monthly keto classes to educate the community about the keto diet.
Michelle Kaiser emphasized Dr. Seeman's expertise, stating, "You won’t find a more knowledgeable, personable, and passionate person than Dr. Jamie. She’s helped me so much personally."
Commitment to Quality
The Omaha Bakery is committed to providing high-quality keto products that customers can trust. They conduct extensive research on ingredients to ensure they are truly keto-friendly, as many commercially available products labeled "keto" may contain hidden sugars or inappropriate ingredients.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Laura Risola, a keto baker who joined The Omaha Bakery, explained, "At The Omaha Bakery, we make keto products you can trust… It can’t be just low carbohydrate - you need specific ingredients to make keto products."
Overcoming Challenges
Creating keto products comes with its challenges, including the higher cost of ingredients. However, The Omaha Bakery believes that the health benefits of keto are worth the investment.
Laura Risola noted, "Keto can be more expensive, but we contend you eat less, especially if you are on a weight-reduction plan… When you consider medical bills, illnesses, and feeling crappy, it is worth it."
Future Plans
The Omaha Bakery is continually exploring ways to expand its keto offerings and reach a wider audience. This includes expanding keto shipments, opening a second location, or even launching a food truck. Currently, they ship donuts and their Keto One-Da bread throughout the country.
Other Keto-Friendly Restaurants in Omaha
While The Omaha Bakery is a standout, several other restaurants in Omaha offer keto-friendly options. These establishments allow for customization and substitutions to accommodate a low-carb diet.
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto
Jams American Grill
Jams American Grill is known for its customizable meals. Diners can opt for bunless burgers or modify salads to fit their keto needs.
801 Chophouse
As a steakhouse, 801 Chophouse naturally offers several keto-friendly options, including steak and seafood dishes. Patrons can easily avoid carb-heavy sides and sauces.
Block 16
Block 16 is another popular spot where you can customize your order. Requesting modifications like bunless options or swapping out carb-heavy ingredients for keto-friendly alternatives is a great way to enjoy their menu while sticking to your diet.
Tips for Dining Keto in Omaha
Dining out on a keto diet requires some planning and awareness. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:
- Know Your Macros: Understand your daily carbohydrate, protein, and fat targets to make informed choices when ordering.
- Plan Ahead: Check the restaurant's menu online beforehand to identify potential keto-friendly options or modifications.
- Ask for Substitutions: Don't hesitate to ask for substitutions, such as swapping out a bun for lettuce wraps or replacing starchy sides with vegetables.
- Be Mindful of Sauces and Dressings: These often contain hidden sugars and carbs. Opt for oil and vinegar dressings or ask for sauces on the side.
- Focus on Whole Foods: Choose dishes that feature whole, unprocessed ingredients like meat, fish, eggs, and non-starchy vegetables.
- Read Reviews and Recommendations: Look for online reviews and recommendations from other keto dieters in Omaha to find hidden gems.
Navigating the Wanderlog App for Keto Options
For those new to Omaha or looking for a streamlined way to discover keto-friendly spots, the Wanderlog app can be a helpful tool. While the app itself may not specifically categorize restaurants as "keto," it can assist in finding restaurants with customizable menus or those known for their meat and seafood offerings.
The Broader Keto Movement
Michelle Kaiser of The Omaha Bakery emphasized that keto is more than just a passing trend. "Keto, which made its initial big splash in 2017, is not a fad that likely will die off soon. Keto is a nationwide movement, and doctors are beginning to recommend it."
However, she also cautioned that keto is not a one-size-fits-all solution and that individuals should consult with their doctors or dietitians before making significant dietary changes.
tags: #keto #restaurants #omaha