I travel A LOT, and I also have a busy lifestyle as a business owner and single parent.
Whether you’re traveling, or just on the go and needing low carb ideas that are quick and easy, I thought I’d give you some quick & easy ideas by sharing my own low carb food choices with you.
That’s me in the picture, by the way – yes, holding a Ziploc bag full of bacon! 😀
I was in Atlanta for a business meet-up, where lunch was included, so I had packed my own snacks/foods to be on the safe side. And it’s a good thing I did. They served pasta! 😉
Prior to this weekend in Atlanta I was in Vegas to speak at a business event. So I’ll share photos with you from both trips to give you plenty of ideas for sticking to your low carb diet while traveling, eating out, or having to hunt down a quick low carb snack/meal… because NO excuse is worth blowing your diet!
First, a couple of easy fast food options. One of my favorites is the Hardee’s Low Carb Burger (It may be called Carl Jr in your area?). It’s easy to eat on the go. I order it without tomato, ketchup or onion:
I also like McDonald’s Sausage Egg McMuffin (or a regular Egg McMuffin with ham is good too). Minus the McMuffin of course! I try not to confuse the McStaff, so I just order it and ditch the bread. Tip: order double meat double cheese if you’re really hungry. It’s cheaper than ordering two. 😉
On my way to Vegas, I knew it would be a long day of travel, so I stopped in one of the airport shops and stocked up on a few things. It was one of those “natural / health food” type shops – I wish I could remember the name of it! The dry roasted edamame was a fun find. That was my first time trying it dry roasted and it was a GREAT snack!! I also got bottled water and Quest Bars:
I usually order my Quest Bars online and keep them handy, but I got lucky that day to find them in an airport shop because I was out! Which reminds me, I need to order some more…
On my first day at the event, which was at the Las Vegas Aria Resort & Casino, I passed by all the cafes and such full of huge carb displays, and went for a full breakfast. Unfortunately EVERY breakfast came with some kind of bread & potatoes (typical). So I searched their dinner sides and requested my breakfast with a side of grilled green beans instead. 😀 I am NOT shy about ordering replacements.
The grilled green beans were so good, I had them again at my next meal! Which was Steak & Eggs:
That evening there was a catered social, and I had no idea what to expect. The food was served buffet style in a reserved bar (apologies for the low lighting):
Fortunately I found tons of meats, cheeses, veggies, etc. And I FILLED UP my plate(s) lol:
The next day I had some work to do in my room (and fact: needed some down time! lol) so I grabbed some snacks from one of the hotel stores.
I also had leftover steak, a Quest Bar, and some other low carb goodies in my room.
At the store I found a great low carb protein shake! It was “Lean Body, Vanilla Ice Cream flavor” and I also got almonds and Laughing Cow cheese wedges.
I like to dip almonds in the cheeses. 😀 Yummy!!
As you can see, I don’t let travel derail my way of eating, or use it as an excuse to “ditch my diet” – even at catered socials and events.
In fact there was another catered social the next night – all sandwiches! EEK. What to do??
I piled up a plate of course! And then deconstructed the mini sandwiches into a a great low carb meal of meats & cheeses. 😀
The plate on the right is where I dumped all the unnecessary bread:
The next day I was in a rush, short on time, and so I grabbed something from the Starbucks on the way to the conference center (all inside the Aria hotel). I grabbed a side salad – and one of the Starbucks Protein Boxes and ditched the piece of bread in it, and ate while I worked. The almond butter was YUMMY, btw – I just ate it straight out of the pack (like a Gogurt, lol):
On my more recent trip to Atlanta, which is just a 3 hour road trip for me, I decided to pack a few things to take with me. As I mentioned earlier, lunch was provided (which ended up being pasta) and I wanted to be prepared – just in case. I brought tuna, vienna sausages, leftover bacon, a couple of Atkins bars, and some sugar free candies. I like the Werther’s because just one is enough to “kill a sweet tooth” in a pinch:
I also stopped to get gas on the way, and decided to pick up a few more low carb snacks. I was going for a full day, staying over, and then staying with a friend the next day – so I wanted to have plenty of “low carb staples” on hand:
(I discovered I don’t like Beef Jerky, btw, lol.) Fortunately, in addition to the pasta there was also salad – so I made my own plate including some raw veggies and my own stash:
I went to another meetup that night, where we had dinner. I was ready for a REAL meal so I ordered a New York Strip with grilled shrimp, asparagus, and sauteed mushrooms:
On my way home the next day, I was driving through lunchtime. I got hungry, but wasn’t in the mood for fast food – and definitely wanted a coffee for the trip. So I stopped at the nearest Starbucks. I found some turkey sandwiches in the cold display and got two of those – then asked for a container so I could make it “to go”:
I hope these photos give you some ideas and inspiration for eating low carb on the go, out and about, on the road and at restaurants or social events. Never be afraid to request replacement side items, ask for an extra plate or cup, or whatever you need. Most waitstaff are very accommodating!
Remember: no matter where you are, your weight and your food choices… are your responsibility. 😉
Great information Lynn…loved the post!
Thank you, Lori! π
Hey great stuff I am struggling trying to stay carb free
Great ideas! Never had those Vienna sausages, will have to give them a try. Also, glad to see there is someone else in this world that changes what is on their plate. I do it all the time, but sometimes I get eye rolls from my daughters. Luckily my girlfriends don’t care and some have taken to changing theirs as well, since they see me doing it without a problem. I am paying for it so why not? I do it nicely and as a question. Baggie of bacon, what a great idea! (but really, leftover bacon? is there such a thing? ha ha!) I will have to look at those Quest bars. Love your site, thank you!
The canned sausages will do in a pinch. I like to swirl mayo & mustard together as a dip for them, and usually eat them with a nice cheese on the side and maybe some green olives. Makes for a quick, easy lunch in a pinch!
I think it’s odd that people would be against special ordering. Or feel funny doing it. I do it all the time, and have never had a problem with it. I used to be a waitress in another lifetime too – it’s common, and I never minded on that side of it either! π
I say eat what you want, how you want. It’s our body, right? π *cheers*
Oh – and yes! – the Quest Bars are GREAT. I just ordered a couple of boxes last night. They’re so convenient and I like to keep them on hand – in my bag when I’m on the go, too. You’ll love them!
You had me until vienna sausages. Ugh. I think those are the most nightmarish food known to man. Just my opinion though, obviously. Lol.
LOL Kim – you may be right! π
Arenβt quest bars pretty high in carbs? The sample box I ordered listed over 20 grams.
Hi Fred,
It depends on if you go by Total Carbs or if you only count Net Carbs. The net carb count for Quest Bars is low once you subtract fiber and sugar alcohol.
I LOVE your blog. So much information. I have a baggie of bacon in my lunch right now…had to tell hubby…hands off. thanks
LOL, yes – protect the bacon!!! π haha
Great advise. When I order breakfast out I always tell them no bread or potatoes. I never thought to ask for veggies. They usually offer me fruit which is usually filled with cantalope which is not one of my favorites. I love, love, love grilled green beans!!!!!
They usually have grilled or sauteed mushrooms on the menu at breakfast if they can’t make the veggies. OR you can see if they have berries – I’ve had a side of plain strawberries in place of potatoes too. And if all else fails, I just ask for double eggs. π
Bacon is Low Carb?
LOL, yes. π The low cart diet is mainly protein, fat and high fiber vegetables. So meat, eggs, cheese, green vegetables, berries, etc.
I am trying low carbs again after eating everything in the house and gaining 49 pounds. I started on Monday night and I have lost 4 pounds. My problem is my family, I have my 7 and 8 year old granddaughters and my 86 year old mother living with me. My husband sort of does his own thing and never gains an ounce. I am 66 and need to loose this weight and fixing meals for me alone might be my challenge. Your blog has helped me so very much. I just get confused about how many carbs I can eat in a day and how to subtract the protein from the carbs. Also how can you eat the dreamfields pasta when it has over 40 carbs in a serving?
Hi Carolyn,
Actually you subtract fiber from total carbs to get Net Carbs. See: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/230/how-to-figure-out-net-carbs/ for a visual on that. You should eat 20 net carbs per day max, and 12-15 from that should come from low carb vegetables:
http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/4964/low-carb-vegetables/
For pasta, real food is ideal. See: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/3892/zucchini-pasta/ π
And to track, which is KEY, this is how I do it and what I track: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/4448/myfitnesspal-hack/
Hope that helps!
Dreamfields is NOT low carb: http://www.dietdoctor.com/the-dreamfields-pasta-fraud
TARDIS!! Great tips, we have a week long road trip in 2 months and I refuse to let it ruin all the progress I’ve made, thanks for the ideas!
Smart! π And you’re welcome!!
Hi Lynn!
This was a huge help – at a breakfast buffet recently I deconstructed several egg croissants, and would not have been willing to put more than on my plate (fear of looking greedy!) if i had not seen your post!
Anyway, I’ve started making my own jerky – it tastes better and it doesn’t have all the crazy sugar and MSG and stuff added in, so it’s been another great on-the-go snack for me.
Good for you! I always say: It’s my body, my plate – I don’t care what anyone thinks! π
thanks….I needed some motorvation to get back to low carb.
You’re welcome Debbie π Also see: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/4888/getting-back-on-track/
Great article! I’m taking an 18-hour bus trip and I was looking for some ideas for food on the trip. Your post helps a lot!
Thank you, Deborah! Enjoy your trip. π
Thanks for the great low carb tips. I pack an “emergency” bag to take when traveling. My favs are boiled eggs, cheese slices (sliced at home), nuts, and homemade venison jerky. It was wonderful to have on a two day road trip! Thanks for the idea about requesting veggies for breakfast sides! I’ll be doing this!
I’m glad it was helpful, Jane! It sounds like your “go bag” is full of yummy foods. π *cheers*
You are awesome! Your post is very inspiring. Keep up the Good Work!
Thank you, Annie! π
How do you justify all the sodium in the bacon, processed canned meats, all the cheese and nuts food and as snacks?
Hi Michelle,
Great question! The truth is… I rarely eat bacon or processed canned meats. Every now and then, or in a pinch (because it’s better than a Big Mac, lol). But more often than not I am eating “super clean” at home or on the go. You can see some of my meals in my journals here on the blog, or on my facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/lowcarbtraveler
I eat pecan halves as my nut choice, which aren’t salty (I get them in the baking aisle) and limit cheese to 4 ounces a day max. But on that note, sodium is not bad for you at all. In fact, it helps as this is a diuretic diet. π
I found your site by happenstance. I have a couple of questions – have you been on this diet an extended amount of time?
Have you ever had your triglycerides checked? What was the outcome?
Have to say, this is pretty much a dream diet…meat, cheese, salt, all my favorite things! I will be anxious to hear your response. I did the atkins diet a long, long time ago and if I remember correctly, I was unable to stick with it for very long.
Take care –
Hi Kristine,
I have, almost 4 years now, and I haven’t had them checked by my health has improved dramatically since going low carb. Many of our members had high cholesterol and high blood pressure and other issues prior to going low carb – and have seem drastic improvements as well. We discuss it daily in the http://www.90DayLowCarbChallenge.com group.
See this link to learn more about how the low carb diet affects your cardiovascular health: http://www.atkins.com/how-it-works/library/articles/cardiovascular-health
I don’t eat tons of meat and cheese, but many people do and lose weight just fine. At this point I focus more on healthy fats like avocado, pecans, egg salad, salmon and of course non-starchy (green) vegetables. My protein is only about 20% of my daily calories.
See: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/4393/healthy-fats-and-super-foods/ π
I just started the protein diet as well. It’s only been 3 weeks but I can tell I have lost a lot of weight ( trying to lose 50 ). My family has noticed as well! My situation is a little different. I’ve had 7 children ranging from 20 years old down to 10 months. The last three are ages 3, 22 months and 10 months old. I also have high blood pressure, so I’m hoping I can stop taking blood pressure medicine. I also remove bread and cut out all sugars except healthy sugars from fruit. I only drink water or lemon water!!
Keep up the great work, I hope you reach your goal!
Hi JoAnn,
What kind of diet are you on exactly – fruits and protein? I limit my protein to 20% of my daily calories usually, as I eat LCHF (low carb, high fat). No fruit or sugar.
Congrats on making healthy changes and enjoying such great results!!
Are you diluted? Everything you showed is clearly on the fat @$$ special. Bacon? Eggs smothered in cheese? Breads? Cheese snacks? Beef jerky? What kind of crack are you smoking that you honestly think this is a low-carb diet? This isn’t an even remotly healthy diet in any form and shame on you for misleading people into thinking this crap is an acceptable way to eat unles they want diabetes and missing limbs. SHAME ON YOU!
LOL Angie! π *cheers*
You have no clue. My diabetes is in check because of this way of eating!
Research is showing that without adequate amounts of sleep, a healthy body becomes diabetic in less than a week. Check out these video clips.
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4181992n&tag=mncol;lst;2
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4181994n&tag=mncol;lst;3
It might answer some questions about your diabetes. I do agree that you should be mindful of your eating as well.
Angie – might I suggest you do some research on low carb, and if you read what Lynn wrote, you would know that the “bread” was low carb, and so was every single other food item shown. She is eating healthy fats and in case you had not heard: fat does not make you fat!! Sugar makes you fat. Too many simple carbs, make you fat – as it converts the carbs to glucose, which gets stored as fat in the body.
We need healthy meat and good veggies to fuel our bodies. That’s what Lynn is doing. And even if you prefer not to eat this way – low carb clearly works very well for tens of thousands of people, and for a large majority of those people – their blood glucose levels drop and their blood sugars improve – they do not get worse.
I agree with Traci. Without the presence of sugar, the body turns to fat as its alternative fuel source. Another alternative is eating whole foods, foods that are not genetically modified or processed foods. Humans, as well as animals, do not have the genetic makeup to process lab-created chemicals. Go Natural!!!
I just have to comment on this. I am diabetic and was diagnosed a little over 2 yrs ago. I was sent to a dietitian to get my eating habits set right. I am on a low carb diet and lost 50 lbs the first year. I am allowed 35 carbs per meal and a 15 carb snack. My diabetes is under control by my diet and I need no meds. I do however count actual carbs not net. I think Angie needs to read up on what is good for you and what isn’t.
Thank you so much for this site. My husband and I travel and we have a travel trailer so we are cooking some things ahead for our upcoming trip. I will be frying bacon and boiling eggs tomorrow.
My diabetes is gone because of keto diet. Eating high fat low carb is the best.
Oops…poor poor Angie. Sorry, hunny. You’re the poor, unfortunate “diluted” one. Please research what carbs are and what proteins are so you wont embarrass yourself like that again. Tah tah
You have some great ideas with one exception…No preservatives! If it is processed, it is off the list. Unfortunately, that eliminates almost all cured pork products which makes me sad because I love bacon! I also miss cottage cheese. I am still looking for alternatives. Continue the good work!
Organic / Clean Eating – and Low Carb – are two totally separate topics, though they can easily be done together. I’m moving more and more toward a whole food way of eating, but I’m also not foolish enough to believe anything grown on this planet is “clean”. π *cheers*
I honestly LOVE all the tips…but it just makes you think, we have starving people in the world, yet we have the ability to throw our food away.
Hi Adieu,
I get that. But when it comes down to it, that’s not reason alone to make me eat something. I’d rather something go to waste… than go to MY waist. π Being overweight & unhealthy doesn’t do the world good either…
Thanks for all the ideas!! We are going to China for 2 weeks in November and I’m petrified of the food choices!! First of all, I am not sure I will even know what half of the food is so I have no idea what is low carb and what isn’t. Also, I am a little bit afraid of eating meat in China because I have no idea if its something gross or not π I am not sure if we are allowed to take meats etc with us……again, thank you!!
When I went to China, I packed a lot of peanut butter. Wasn’t doing lchf at the time, but was afraid of the food.
Maybe natural pb or almond butter…?
Lynn, I am so grateful for all of your postings and ideas. I know it’s the best eating lifestyle for me, but I struggle. When I read what you have been eating…I think to myself, how easy is that? Anyway, thanks for all you postings. Laurie
Thank you, Laurie! I do like to keep it simple. π Once it gets complicated, like recipes and cooking and meal planning, I struggle too. I get that. Easy is good!!
Thank You, I was doing great low carb and then went to visit in Vegas…..I was totally at a loss and have such a hard time getting back on track. thanks for all the great info.
I hope you had a great time in Vegas, Lynn! π Just jump right back on. Once you get past day one… you’ll be totally fine. *cheers*
I didn’t think processed or smoked meats were allowed in a low carb diet
Sure, as long as it’s low carb and you stay within 20 net carbs per day. I rarely eat processed meats anymore myself though, unless I’m out and that’s all that is available. But yes, it’s “allowed”.
Werthers originals low sugar have 78g of carbs per 100g. Don’t call that low carb!!!
Hi Karie,
I get sugar free Werther’s Originals. You subtract the sugar alcohol from the total carbs. π They come to zero net carbs. See: http://www.werthers-original.us/products/sugar-free/hard-candies#nutritions
I didn’t know! Thank-you for that info. And on the dry roasted edamames it says 15g of carbs to every 28g . 7g of dietary fibre. Are they ok too?
You have to look at your package to see what the nutrition facts are per serving. I don’t have this package handy anymore – but here’s an example: http://www.caloriecount.com/calories-seapoint-farms-dry-roasted-edamame-i105455 1/4 cup is 2 net carbs. You subtract the fiber from the total carbs.
This was a great post and very realistic from a traveling job and mom of 2. The worst is to be in traffic for 2hours without coffee and snacks!
I’m glad it was helpful for you, Haydi. π So many of us live busy lifestyles, on the go all the time, and it’s just impossible to “live in the kitchen”.
So tell me about the Quest bars. What are your favorite flavors and approximately how many net carbs. Do you use them as meals or snacks. Low carb is the only diet that works for me and I do it well for a few weeks and then there is some special occasion and I gain it all back so quickly. I think I have destroyed my metabolism. Anyway – excited to hear about new options! Thanks so much!
Hi Stacie π I love Quest Bars, and they have good quality ingredients. You can see the carb counts for each bar, and ALL of their flavors on the Quest Nutrition website.
You’ll want to introduce them into your diet like you would any new food – without changing anything else – to see if they affect your weight loss or anything. I really like the Mixed Berry Bliss flavor myself, but most of them are great!
Thank you!
Thanks so much!
Thank you so much for sharing it! It definitely gave me ideas to keep myself on track when eating out!
What a wonderful person you are to be multi tasking and looking after your self. Super good ideas – thank you so much
Since I work at an elementary school and leaving for lunch is not convenient, I am going to incorporate these ideas into my current, limited, menu.
Great ideas an love the pictures too
Love your ideas! I always carry B.O.B. with me wherever I go…..Bag Of Bacon! Lol!
I stopped at McDonald’s in the afternoon recently to try out their “Breakfast Anytime,” and they said scrambled eggs and sausage were not on the menu, but they could give me a round egg. What the heck is a round egg? lol If scrambled eggs aren’t breakfast, what is? lol Thanks for all the great suggestions! I’ve written many of them down on my cheat sheet I keep in my purse.
A McD’s round egg is a real egg they have poached. I order these. The other “eggs” are liquid (or frozen) and come in cartons. I feel I’m getting a “real egg” with the round egg. (I hope this helped)
I loved the way you look for good options even when you are out that is difficult for me sometimes. I appreciate the good examples you give and believe me I am going to try.,
What a wonderful list. I work out of my car 10-12 hours a day and am always looking for low carb meals to take with me, preferably that don’t need to be heated
Thank you so much, great options!
I love this post !!! i am new to low carb, and reading through it i only have one question?? How do you drink / order your coffee ? LOL …yes, i know weird question but when i go to coffee shops..besides black ..i never know how to order !!! OH and is that regular bacon or turkey bacon ?
Hi Jennifer π I eat regular bacon. Either is fine of course. I currently use Coffee-Mate Powdered Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer. The powdered is creamier, lower in carbs, and it takes less to get a nice creamy sweet coffee – than the liquid, I mean. Plus I can keep it in my car for when I get coffees on the go. π
If I happen to be at a coffee shop without my creamer in the car (rare! π lol), I’ll order my coffee with heavy cream or half & half – plus sugar free vanilla syrup.
Thanks for your posts. I learned a lot. I’m just starting a low carb diet. Should I do actual carbs or net carbs.
Hi Zennia π I do 20 net carbs max, 70% fat minimum – and keep it that simple. Here’s a checklist for getting started: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/start-low-carb-diet/ Let me know if you ever have any questions!
Lynn,
Just found your website and what a “find”. I’ve been up and down and up and down for the last year trying to lose 50 pounds. Lost 20, found it about 2 months later. My “excuse” to myself is always the same… “keto is inconvenient, I’m moving, I’m too busy, I’m travelling”. Well I think you just blew my excuses out of the water and I appreciate that. I needed a little voice of reason with common sense remedies. Thank you!
Quick question, do you travel for your website or for another job? I’m working on my own website plus working full time and I’m always interested in people who have figured out how to make it all work.
Hi KP – nice to meet you! π
I think it’s easy to rationalize things in our favor, but the fact is: you have to eat right? It’s just a matter of what you choose to eat. That’s it! I try to keep it super simple and relaxed into a low carb lifestyle. It’s so much easier than dieting. π
I travel for business and for fun. I’ve been in business for almost 22 years. I’m an international speaker and small business/marketing consultant. I work from home (or wherever I am), travel to & speak at events, and my friends are spread out all over the world so I travel for social stuff too.
You can definitely make it work! Practically anything is possible these days with enough grit and determination. π
Lynn
Trying to lose weight and would like a few tips on how to do this please