As a keto dieter, finding keto-friendly fast food options can be quite challenging. But fret not, because Costa Vida has got your back! With a wide range of fresh, customizable Mexican-inspired dishes, there are plenty of keto options to choose from. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Costa Vida keto options, so you can enjoy a delicious and healthy meal.
Costa Vida is a fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in fresh, made-to-order Mexican-inspired cuisine. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and scratch-made recipes, Costa Vida is dedicated to providing their customers with delicious and healthy meals.
Their customizable menu allows you to choose your own ingredients, making it easy to cater to any dietary restrictions or preferences. With over 100 locations across the United States, Costa Vida has become a popular destination for food lovers who are looking for fresh and flavorful meals.
What is the Ketogenic Diet, and How Does it Work?
The keto diet, also known as the ketogenic diet, is a dietary approach that restricts carbohydrate intake while increasing fat consumption to promote weight loss, better blood sugar regulation, and other health benefits. The idea is to induce a metabolic state called ketosis, in which the body relies on fat for energy instead of carbs.
To achieve ketosis, a typical keto diet restricts carbohydrate intake to 20-50 grams per day, mainly by avoiding high-carb foods like bread, pasta, and sugar. Instead, it emphasizes high-fat foods such as meats, fish, eggs, cheese, nuts, and oils, along with moderate amounts of protein.
Costa Vida Keto Options: What to Order?
When it comes to ordering keto-friendly meals at Costa Vida, the possibilities are endless. Here are some of the best options:
Mahi Mahi Taco
Nutrition Info: 71 calories, 0.5 grams of fiber, 0.75 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbs, and 1.5 grams of net carbs.
If you love fish then this is an excellent meal for you. Just toss out the taco shell to make it keto-friendly. It is made from fresh Mahi Mahi with onion powder, lime juice, and kosher salt.
Guacamole
Nutrition Info: 182 calories, 1.6 grams of fiber, 13 grams of fat, 14 grams of protein, 2.7 grams of carbs, and 1.7 grams of net carbs.
Costa Vida’s healthy and delicious guacamole is a great keto option. It is made with diced jalapenos, tomatoes, cilantro, and avocadoes.
Chile Verde
Nutrition Info: 60 calories, 0 grams of fiber, 2 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs, and 4 grams of net carbs.
Another low carb option at Costa Vida is the Chile Verde. This spicy dish is made with pork, cilantro, tomatillos, peppers, and jalapeno garlic.
Lettuce Salad
Nutrition Info: 301 calories, 1.30 grams of fiber, 15 grams of fat, 35 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs, and 2.7 grams of net carbs.
If you want something light and refreshing, try their Lettuce Salad. This healthy salad is made with mixed vegetables such as lettuce, cucumber, carrots, avocadoes, and slices of hard boiled eggs. One of the best things about Costa Vida is how you can easily customize your meal like adding or omitting certain ingredients to make it more filling and safe to eat on a keto diet.
Low-Carb Add Ons
Grilled Chicken
Nutrition Info: 133 calories, 1 gram of fiber, 2 grams of fat, 27 grams of protein, 1 gram of carbs, and 1 gram of net carbs.
Packed with protein, making it an amazing add-on to your salad. This keto-friendly grilled chicken is made with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
Sweet Pork
Nutrition Info: 259 calories, 0.4 grams of fiber, 14 grams of fat, 6.5 grams of protein, 9 grams of carbs, and 8 grams of net carbs.
If you’re not a fan of grilled chicken, you can try their sweet pork. It might be more carbs than the chicken, but this thing tastes amazing! The pork is cooked with Dr. Pepper, garlic salt, and cilantro. You can pair it with your lettuce salad or lime rice.
Shrimp
Nutrition Info: 132 calories, 0 grams of fiber, 7.3 grams of fat, 9 grams of protein, 7.6 grams of carbs, and 7.6 grams of net carbs.
Shrimp is also available as an add on at Costa Vida. These fresh shrimp are caramelized in butter and honey and also have lime and mango in them. You can try mixing up lettuce salad, mango dressing, and this shrimp. It’s a must-try!
Mango Dressing
Nutrition Info: 156 calories, 0.13 grams of fiber, 12 grams of fat, 11 grams of protein, 11 grams of carbs, and 11 grams of net carbs.
Indulge in the perfect solution to cure your boring salad blues with Costa Vida’s sweet and spicy mango dressing. Prepared with fresh mangos, a drizzle of honey, a hint of cumin, a kick of chili peppers, and a splash of lime juice, this dressing is the ultimate flavor booster. Not only is it deliciously sweet and spicy, but it’s also a healthy and Keto-friendly option to enhance your salad experience.
Tomatillo Ranch Dressing
Nutrition Info: 314 calories, 0.2 grams of fiber, 27 grams of fat, 15 grams of protein, 2.40 grams of carbs, and 2.20 grams of net carbs.
A low carb dressing made with tomatillos, jalapenos, cilantro, seasonings, and lime juice. Perfect for enhancing your salad!
Queso
Nutrition Info: 110 calories, 0.3 grams of fiber, 8 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of net carbs.
It is made of Velveeta, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, fresh salsa, cayenne pepper, and garlic sauce.
Pico De Gallo
Nutrition Info: 10 calories, 0.35 grams of fiber, 0.55 grams of fat, 15 grams of protein, 2.40 grams of carbs, and 1 gram of net carbs.
They are made with a blend of tomatoes, cilantro, lime, yellow onions, seeded cloves, jalapenos, and garlic.
Costa Vida Keto Options FAQs
Are Costa Vida chips and salsa keto-friendly?
Unfortunately, the chips are not keto-friendly as they are made with corn. However, salsa is low-carb and can be enjoyed in moderation.
Can I add beans or rice to my order and still stay on keto?
It’s best to skip the beans and rice as they are high in carbohydrates. However, you can add more protein or healthy fats like avocado or cheese to your meal.
Are the sauces and dressings keto-friendly?
Some sauces and dressings may contain added sugars or other high-carb ingredients, so it’s best to ask for them on the side and use them in moderation.
Final Thoughts on Costa Vida Keto Options
While fast food chains may not always be the first choice for keto dieters, Costa Vida has plenty of delicious options that can fit into a low-carb lifestyle. By choosing protein-rich dishes and skipping high-carb ingredients like rice, taco shells, and beans, you can enjoy a satisfying and healthy meal that won’t throw you out of ketosis.
If you want to check other fast food chains, just click here! We have more recommendations on where and what to eat on the keto diet.