In this day and age, many people are following low-carb diets either for health reasons or to help facilitate weight loss. While a low-carb diet can limit the foods that you can eat, that doesn't mean that you have to stop visiting your favorite Italian restaurants. When most people think of Italian food, they picture pasta, which definitely is not low-carb. However, there is actually so much more to Italian cuisine, and there are a lot of options for people who want to enjoy Italian flavors while still sticking to their diet. Whether you have a craving for Italian food or have made plans to meet family or friends at an Italian restaurant, use the following tips for enjoying an Italian meal while sticking to a low-carb diet:

Select an Antipasto Platter

Many Italian restaurants provide bread for each table before the meal comes, but when you're on a low-carb diet, you know that you will need to avoid the bread basket. If you're hungry and want to start with an appetizer before your meal, consider ordering an antipasto platter. An antipasto platter is typically a collection of delicious cured meats, various cheeses, olives, and vegetables in oil and herbs. Antipasto platters are great to share with your dining companions, and you can enjoy every morsel while knowing that you're still adhering to your low-carb diet.

Explore Italian Seafood Options

Italy is a peninsula and has an extensive coastline, so it is no surprise that seafood is a big part of Italian cuisine. When you visit an Italian restaurant, check out the seafood offerings on the menu. There are a number of Italian dishes that feature fresh fish, octopus, squid, mussels, clams, and shellfish, and many of these dishes are very low-carb and are seasoned with delicious herbs to provide flavor. When ordering an Italian seafood dish, make sure you decline any pasta or potatoes that may be served on the side and request fresh steamed or grilled vegetables instead.

Speak with Your Server

Many people have dietary restrictions, and most restaurants are becoming adept at accommodating guests with different types of diets. When you arrive at an Italian restaurant, don't be afraid to let your server know that you are following a low-carb diet — he or she will most likely be very helpful and ensure that any substitutions that you may need are met. You can also count on your server to communicate with the kitchen staff to let you know about any ingredients that may be in a dish.