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 with tamarind sauce. I love the rice. All of that has to be avoided or at least saved for a very occasional splurge.

Start with a salad. Most Indian restaurants offer salads with oil and vinegar. That will start filling up your stomach at least. Drink lots of 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.

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 REALLY 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.

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