Keto at Qdoba: Carb Free Mexican Eats
Craving Mexican food but worried about your keto diet? Qdoba has you covered! With a customizable menu, you can savor your favorite flavors without breaking your ketosis. So, just as we have done with popular Mexican food chains like Del Taco and Chipotle, here’s everything you need to know so you can eat keto at Qdoba.
Before ordering at Qdoba
Do your homework! Check out Qdoba’s menu here and explore the nutritional information of each item. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to maintaining a low-carb lifestyle.
To help you prepare before your order, you can check out the Qdoba menu here.
It can be difficult to know exactly how many carbs your eating even when ordering simple dishes, that’s why it’s also a good idea to check out the nutritional information.
Keto tips for Qdoba
Before we dive right into the menu, let’s talk about a few tips for staying keto when eating at Qdoba.
Prioritize protein
Protein-rich options, like grilled chicken or steak, are essential for keto enthusiasts. Stick to these and stay on track. Grilled chicken has around 2g of carbs per 4 oz serving, while steak contains about 3g per 4 oz serving. These protein sources provide an excellent base for your keto-friendly meal.
Low-carb veggies
Load up on lettuce, peppers, and onions while avoiding high-carb alternatives like corn and beans. Fajita veggies, such as bell peppers and onions, contain around 5g of carbs per 4 oz serving. Pico de gallo, a fresh blend of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, offers a low-carb topping option with 4g of carbs per 4 oz serving.
Smart toppings
Embrace keto-friendly toppings like cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. Yum! Cheese contains around 1g of carbs per 1 oz serving, and sour cream offers 2g of carbs per 2 oz serving. Guacamole is a delicious, high-fat option with approximately 8g of carbs per 4 oz serving.
Ditch tortillas and rice
Order a salad or naked burrito bowl instead. Say goodbye to unnecessary carbs. Opting for a bowl or salad base can save you between 45g to 50g of carbs compared to a standard burrito or taco shell. When customizing your meal, skip rice and beans, which can add up to 40g of carbs or more.
Sauce savvy
Avoid hidden sugars by checking the nutritional info of sauces. Opt for those with minimal sugar content. Qdoba offers a variety of sauces, but some are better for keto dieters than others. For example, the Creamy Chipotle Sauce contains only 2g of carbs per 1 oz serving, while the Roasted Tomato Salsa has 3g of carbs per 2 oz serving.
Keto-friendly Qdoba menu items:
Naked Burrito Bowl
Customize your bowl with protein, low-carb veggies, and keto-friendly toppings. Keep carbs in check by skipping rice and beans. A naked chicken burrito bowl with fajita veggies, pico de gallo, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole contains approximately 16g of carbs.
Qdoba Salad
Choose a salad base, pile on the protein and low-carb veggies, then top with cheese, sour cream, or guacamole. A chicken salad with fajita veggies, pico de gallo, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole has roughly 18g of carbs.
Lettuce-Wrapped Tacos
Swap traditional tortillas for lettuce wraps and enjoy grilled chicken or steak tacos without the guilt. Two lettuce-wrapped chicken tacos with cheese, sour cream, and pico de gallo contain approximately 10g of carbs.
Keto-Friendly Sides
Opt for guacamole or queso as keto-friendly side options. Both are high in healthy fats and low in carbs, making them perfect for your keto diet. A 4 oz serving of guacamole contains around 8g of carbs, while a 4 oz serving of queso has about 6g of carbs.
Double Protein
For those looking to increase their protein intake, Qdoba offers the option to double up on your protein source. This can help keep you fuller for longer and fuel your body with essential nutrients. Remember, the carb counts will vary based on your protein choice.
Beverages at Qdoba
When it comes to drinks, always opt for water or unsweetened iced tea. Qdoba also offers diet sodas and sugar-free lemonade, which contain minimal carbs. Remember to double-check the nutritional information of your preferred beverage to ensure it fits within your keto guidelines.
What to avoid at Qdoba
Steer clear of high-carb menu items like tortillas, rice, beans, and sugary sauces. Items like chips, quesadillas, and loaded nachos are also not keto-friendly. When in doubt, consult the nutritional information provided by Qdoba to make informed choices.
Summary: Keto at Qdoba
Satisfying your Mexican food cravings while sticking to your keto diet is easier than ever at Qdoba. With a range of customizable menu items and plenty of low-carb options, you can enjoy a delicious meal without compromising your ketosis. Stay informed, make smart choices, and indulge in a tasty, keto-friendly meal at Qdoba. Happy eating!
