When it comes to following a strict dietary regimen like Whole30, eating out can be a daunting task. The program, which focuses on eliminating grains, dairy, legumes, added sugars, and processed foods for thirty days, requires careful planning and attention to ingredients. For fans of Five Guys, a popular fast-food chain known for its abundance of toppings and hand-cut fries, finding Whole30 compliant options might seem like a challenge. However, with a closer look at the menu and a bit of creativity, it’s possible to enjoy a meal at Five Guys that aligns with the Whole30 principles.
Understanding Whole30 Compliance
Before diving into the specifics of what can be enjoyed at Five Guys, it’s essential to understand the core principles of Whole30. The program is designed to reset your metabolism, improve digestion, and reduce systemic inflammation by focusing on whole, unprocessed foods. This means that during the thirty days, participants must avoid:
- Grains (including wheat, barley, and rice)
- Dairy (all forms, including milk, cheese, and yogurt)
- Legumes (beans, lentils, peanuts, and soy)
- Added sugars (including honey, maple syrup, and artificial sweeteners)
- Processed foods (anything with preservatives, additives, or artificial ingredients)
Navigating the Five Guys Menu
Five Guys is renowned for its customizable burgers and sandwiches, which can be both a blessing and a curse for those following Whole30. The good news is that the restaurant offers a variety of ingredients that can be used to create a compliant meal. The key is to focus on protein sources, vegetables, and healthy fats, while avoiding non-compliant toppings and sauces.
Protein Sources
At Five Guys, the primary Whole30 compliant protein sources are the beef burgers and bacon. The beef used in their burgers is free from additives and preservatives, making it a good option. However, it’s crucial to request that your burger be prepared without the sesame seed bun, as grains are not allowed on Whole30.
Vegetables and Toppings
Five Guys offers a variety of vegetables that can be added to your burger or eaten as a side. These include lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and jalapeños. All of these options are Whole30 compliant and can add flavor and nutrients to your meal.
Creating a Whole30 Compliant Meal at Five Guys
To enjoy a Whole30 compliant meal at Five Guys, consider the following approach:
- Order a **burger patty without the bun**. This will be the base of your meal and ensures you’re avoiding grains.
- Add **Whole30 compliant toppings** such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and jalapeños to add flavor and nutrients.
- If you’re looking to add more protein or flavor, **request bacon**. Just be mindful of the amount, as while bacon is compliant, it’s still high in fat and should be consumed in moderation.
Avoiding Non-Compliant Items
While focusing on what you can have is important, it’s equally crucial to know what to avoid. At Five Guys, this includes:
- Buns and bread, as they contain grains.
- Cheese and mayo, which are dairy and contain added sugars, respectively.
- Fries, even though they are made from potatoes (a Whole30 compliant food), they are typically cooked in a non-compliant oil and are considered a processed food due to the cooking method and added seasonings.
Special Considerations
For those who are extremely sensitive or have specific dietary needs beyond Whole30, such as avoiding nightshades or needing to follow a low-FODMAP diet, it’s essential to ask questions and customize your order accordingly. Five Guys staff are generally accommodating, and while they may not have extensive knowledge of every dietary restriction, they can provide information on ingredients and preparation methods.
Conclusion
Eating out on Whole30 doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you know what to look for. Five Guys, with its focus on customizable burgers and abundance of vegetables, can be a viable option for those following the program. By sticking to compliant protein sources, vegetables, and avoiding non-compliant toppings and sauces, you can enjoy a meal at Five Guys that aligns with your dietary goals. Remember, the key to success on Whole30 is planning, flexibility, and a willingness to ask questions. With a little creativity and knowledge, you can make your Whole30 journey more manageable and even enjoy some of your favorite foods along the way.
What is the Whole30 diet and how does it relate to eating at Five Guys?
The Whole30 diet is a popular dietary program that focuses on eliminating certain food groups, such as grains, dairy, legumes, and added sugars, for a period of 30 days. The goal is to reset the body’s metabolism, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. When it comes to eating at Five Guys, following the Whole30 diet can be challenging, as the restaurant is known for its burgers, fries, and shakes, which are all non-compliant with the program. However, with some planning and knowledge, it is possible to find Whole30 compliant options at Five Guys.
To navigate the menu at Five Guys while following the Whole30 diet, it’s essential to understand the ingredients used in their dishes. For example, the burgers are typically served on a bun, which contains grains, making it non-compliant. However, by ordering a burger without the bun and customizing the toppings, it’s possible to create a Whole30 compliant meal. Additionally, the restaurant offers a variety of vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, which can be used to create a compliant topping. By being mindful of the ingredients and making informed choices, Whole30 dieters can enjoy a meal at Five Guys while staying on track with their dietary goals.
What are some Whole30 compliant protein options available at Five Guys?
At Five Guys, the protein options are primarily centered around beef, chicken, and bacon. The beef burgers are a good option, as long as they are ordered without the bun. The restaurant offers a variety of toppings, including lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles, which can be used to customize the burger. The chicken sandwich is also an option, but it’s essential to order it without the bun and ensure that it’s not cooked in any non-compliant oils. In addition to the burgers and chicken sandwich, the bacon is also a Whole30 compliant option, as long as it’s not cooked in any sugar or other non-compliant ingredients.
When ordering protein at Five Guys, it’s crucial to communicate with the staff to ensure that the dish is prepared in a compliant manner. For example, asking for the burger to be cooked in a dedicated area to avoid cross-contamination with non-compliant ingredients is a good idea. Additionally, inquiring about the ingredients used in the chicken sandwich and bacon can help ensure that they are prepared without any added sugars or other non-compliant ingredients. By taking the time to ask questions and customize the order, Whole30 dieters can enjoy a compliant and satisfying meal at Five Guys.
Can I get a salad at Five Guys that is Whole30 compliant?
Yes, it is possible to get a salad at Five Guys that is Whole30 compliant. The restaurant offers a variety of vegetables, including lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles, which can be used to create a compliant salad. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the dressings and toppings, as many of them contain non-compliant ingredients such as sugar, dairy, or soy. By ordering a salad with compliant toppings and dressing, such as olive oil and vinegar, it’s possible to create a Whole30 compliant meal.
When ordering a salad at Five Guys, it’s crucial to customize the toppings and dressing to ensure compliance. For example, asking for a salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles, and requesting olive oil and vinegar as the dressing, is a good option. Additionally, it’s essential to avoid any pre-made salads or toppings that may contain non-compliant ingredients. By taking the time to customize the order and asking questions, Whole30 dieters can enjoy a compliant and healthy salad at Five Guys.
Are the fries at Five Guys Whole30 compliant?
No, the fries at Five Guys are not Whole30 compliant. The fries are made from potatoes, which are a Whole30 compliant ingredient, but they are typically cooked in a non-compliant oil, such as peanut oil or soybean oil. Additionally, the fries may contain added sugars or other non-compliant ingredients, making them unsuitable for the Whole30 diet. Furthermore, the cooking process may involve cross-contamination with non-compliant ingredients, making it difficult to ensure compliance.
For Whole30 dieters, it’s best to avoid the fries at Five Guys and opt for compliant options instead. The restaurant offers a variety of vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, which can be used to create a compliant side dish. Additionally, the burgers and chicken sandwich can be ordered without the bun and customized with compliant toppings, making for a satisfying and compliant meal. By avoiding the fries and opting for compliant options, Whole30 dieters can stay on track with their dietary goals while still enjoying a meal at Five Guys.
How do I ensure that my meal at Five Guys is prepared in a way that is compliant with the Whole30 diet?
To ensure that your meal at Five Guys is prepared in a way that is compliant with the Whole30 diet, it’s essential to communicate clearly with the staff. Start by asking questions about the ingredients used in the dish and the cooking process. For example, asking if the burger can be cooked in a dedicated area to avoid cross-contamination with non-compliant ingredients is a good idea. Additionally, inquiring about the ingredients used in the toppings and dressings can help ensure that they are compliant.
When ordering, it’s also essential to be specific about the preparation method and ingredients. For example, asking for a burger without the bun and requesting that it be cooked in a compliant oil is a good option. Additionally, asking for compliant toppings and dressings, such as olive oil and vinegar, can help ensure that the meal is prepared in a way that is compliant with the Whole30 diet. By taking the time to ask questions and communicate clearly with the staff, Whole30 dieters can enjoy a compliant and satisfying meal at Five Guys.
Can I get a take-out or delivery order from Five Guys that is Whole30 compliant?
Yes, it is possible to get a take-out or delivery order from Five Guys that is Whole30 compliant. When ordering, it’s essential to communicate clearly with the staff about the ingredients and preparation method. For example, asking for a burger without the bun and requesting that it be cooked in a compliant oil is a good option. Additionally, inquiring about the ingredients used in the toppings and dressings can help ensure that they are compliant.
When ordering take-out or delivery, it’s also essential to be mindful of the packaging and potential cross-contamination. For example, asking for the meal to be packaged in a way that avoids cross-contamination with non-compliant ingredients is a good idea. Additionally, double-checking the order before pickup or delivery can help ensure that it is prepared correctly. By taking the time to communicate clearly and be mindful of the packaging, Whole30 dieters can enjoy a compliant and satisfying meal from Five Guys, even when ordering take-out or delivery.
Are there any Whole30 compliant sauces or condiments available at Five Guys?
Yes, there are some Whole30 compliant sauces and condiments available at Five Guys. For example, the restaurant offers a variety of hot sauces, such as Tabasco, which are compliant. Additionally, the ketchup is made from compliant ingredients, although it’s essential to be mindful of the sugar content. However, it’s essential to avoid most of the other sauces and condiments, such as the mayo and mustard, as they contain non-compliant ingredients.
When ordering sauces or condiments at Five Guys, it’s crucial to ask questions about the ingredients and ensure that they are compliant. For example, asking if the hot sauce contains any added sugars or other non-compliant ingredients is a good idea. Additionally, inquiring about the ingredients used in the ketchup and other condiments can help ensure that they are compliant. By taking the time to ask questions and choose compliant options, Whole30 dieters can enjoy a variety of flavors and condiments at Five Guys while staying on track with their dietary goals.