Updated May 8, 2023
Are you a serious steak lover and anxious to know if it’s safe for you to indulge in Longhorn Steakhouse while pregnant?
If you have been asking can I eat Longhorn Steakhouse while pregnant?
Don’t worry – there are many delicious options on the menu that can be enjoyed by expectant moms!
Here, we’ve compiled some helpful advice about what to order and which dishes may actually do your growing baby some good.
So relax, sit back, and read on as we debunk the myths about eating out at Longhorn Steakhouse during pregnancy.
Can I Eat Longhorn Steakhouse While Pregnant?
Yes, you can eat at Longhorn Steakhouse while pregnant.
Our OB/GYN Dr. Doug Penta, MD said that generally speaking it is safe to eat at Longhorn Steakhouse during pregnancy.
But he explained that when it comes to eating out during pregnancy, it’s important to take extra care when choosing what to eat.
While some dishes may have been safe before pregnancy, they may not be suitable for consumption during this time.
Fortunately, Longhorn Steakhouse offers many pregnancy-friendly options you will be sure to love!
Here are a few of our favorite safe and healthy dinner options at Longhorn Steakhouse:
- Longhorn salmon or parmesan-crusted chicken are two of our favorites! They are full of flavor and loaded with protein, which is important for both you and your baby. Plus, it’s a low-fat protein, so it won’t weigh you down or leave you feeling groggy. Salmon is a pregnancy super-food! And you can safely have 1-2 servings of Salmon a week during pregnancy.
- If you’re looking for something with a bit more substance, try Flo’s Filet or the Renegade Sirloin. These leaner cuts of meat are low in fat and calories making them an ideal choice during pregnancy. However, it is important to remember to order them medium or well-done for optimum safety.
- For a lighter option, Redrock grilled shrimp is a great choice. It’s high in protein and low in fat. It can be easily customized to your liking. Add some grilled vegetables or a side salad to make it a complete meal.
- You can have one of their amazing entree salads for your meal if you are looking for healthier options. We love their farm fresh field greens with grilled salmon salad. You get your choice of dressings. The ranch dressing is safe. white balsamic vinaigrette is safe, blue cheese dressing is not safe to have during pregnancy. If you are not in the mood for fish they have a delicious grilled chicken and strawberry salad that is served with a raspberry vinaigrette dressing. Ask for no feta cheese. Feta cheese is often made from unpasteurized milk and is not safe to eat during pregnancy. These are two delicious low calorie options at longhorn steakhouse.
- A pregnancy-safe appetizer is the Parmesan-crusted spinach dip. It is high in calories so be sure to enjoy only a small portion. You can take the leftovers home for a delicious lunch the next day.
Menu items to avoid during pregnancy
There are also a few Longhorn Steakhouse menu items that you should avoid while pregnant or enjoy in small portions because they are high in fat and calories.
These include:
- The Texas Tonion appetizer is deep-fried and coated in batter. It’s high in fat and calories and should be enjoyed in a small portion or skipped altogether. If you are in your first trimester of pregnancy, you may find eating fried, greasy foods make your morning sickness feelings worse.
- Wild West Shrimp: While they are delicious they are also fried with garlic butter, are high in calories, and could cause you to suffer from heartburn, indigestion, and increased symptoms of morning sickness.
If you do choose to eat one of Longhorn Steakhouse’s fried appetizers be sure to drink plenty of water as many of their appetizers are high in sodium too.
You should eat what you want during pregnancy as long as it is safe for both you and your baby.
If you are craving the Texas Tonion, as an appetizer you can have it.
Just keep in mind portion size and how fried foods may impact you during pregnancy.
Longhorn Steakhouse Nutritional information for pregnancy-friendly menu options:
Longhorn salmon (7oz) – calories 300, fat 16g, protein 33g
Parmesan-crusted chicken (9oz) – calories 650, fat 36g, protein 68g
Flo’s Filet (6oz) – calories 330, fat 15g, protein 37g
Renegade Sirloin (6oz) – calories 320, fat 15g, protein 36g
Longhorn Red Rock Shrimp nutrition – calories 160, fat 3g, protein 30g
Grilled salmon salad – calories 530, fat 29g, protein 43g
Grilled chicken and strawberry salad – calories 530, fat 19g, protein 43g
7-Pepper Sirloin Salad – calories 490, fat 26g, protein 45g
Can you eat steak while pregnant?
The answer is yes, as long as the steak is cooked to a safe temperature.
If there is one thing Longhorn Steakhouse seems to take very seriously it is the quality and freshness of its meats.
If you are like most in my family that prefer their meat very rare to rare, you may be disappointed to find out you’ll need to eat your steak cooked medium to well-done during pregnancy.
Undercooked or raw meat can contain harmful bacteria that could make you and your baby sick.
Eating undercooked beef is not worth the risk while you are pregnant.
You are more susceptible to food-borne illness while you are pregnant.
What steak can you eat while pregnant?
You can eat all cuts of beef that are thoroughly cooked during pregnancy.
Try to choose leaner cuts of steak if you can.
That will help you save on calories and fat.
At Longhorn Steakhouse, Flo’s Filet is a good choice to order while pregnant.
Can I eat steak at 6 weeks pregnant?
At 6 weeks pregnant, it is recommended that you eat steak or beef that has been cooked to at least medium-well.
You should also make sure to choose leaner cuts of beef, such as sirloin or filet mignon.
These cuts are usually lower in fat and calories than other cuts, such as rib eye.
When eating out, it is always wise to ask the restaurant to cook your steak a little longer than usual to ensure it reaches a safe temperature.
Is steak safe during early pregnancy?
The answer is yes, as long as the steak is cooked to a safe temperature.
During pregnancy, it’s important to eat a variety of foods that are high in nutritional value.
Beef is a great source of protein, iron, and zinc.
However, you should be sure to cook the steak well in order to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
It is recommended that pregnant women eat foods cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F or higher.
What sides can I order at Longhorn Steakhouse while pregnant?
Longhorn Steakhouse has a variety of side dishes you can choose from.
And you can’t go wrong with any of the choices.
Crispy brussel sprouts are a great side option at Longhorn Steakhouse.
They are low in calories and fat and high in fiber.
Mashed potatoes are a delicious and comforting option as a side dish.
Two more mouth-watering sides are the loaded baked potato and baked sweet potato.
The seasoned rice pilaf is a great side option to have with the salmon or Redrock grilled shrimp.
If you like brussel sprouts or steamed asparagus Longhorn offers both as a side dish.
Helpful hints for eating at Longhorn Steakhouse while pregnant:
1. Get on the waitlist before you arrive.
Longhorn Steakhouse recommends that you join their waitlist before you arrive.
They don’t take advanced reservations.
Getting on the waitlist prior to arrival will help to ensure that you get a table at a time that is convenient for you and you won’t be standing and waiting for an hour.
2. Plan to start with soup or a salad
Longhorn Steakhouse offers soups and salads, as an appetizer and you may find it is enough.
They offer a side of mixed green salad or a strawberry and pecan salad.
Skip the caesar salad during pregnancy.
For soups, they offer a loaded potato soup, lobster and shrimp chowder, or french onion soup.
This may help with portion control if you want a main entree that is higher in fat and calories.
3. Consider how you feel before you place your order
When ordering your meal, be sure to take your own needs into consideration.
If you’re feeling tired or nauseous, for example, you might want to avoid heavy meals or foods that are high in fat and grease.
Instead, opt for lighter fare such as a salad, or grilled chicken or salmon.
Also, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout your meal to stay hydrated.
4. Don’t hesitate to ask for what you need
If you have any special requests or needs, don’t hesitate to ask the waitstaff for assistance.
For example, if you want your chicken or Salmon cooked a little longer don’t hesitate to ask.
5. Eat slowly.
When pregnant, it’s important to eat slowly.
Enjoy your meal at Longhorn Steakhouse.
Taking your time will help you to avoid overeating or becoming too full and uncomfortable.
Eating too fast can lead to heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy.
6. Take home your leftovers
If you are getting full ask for a take-out box
That way you can enjoy the rest of your meal the next day.
Tips for eating out safely during pregnancy:
Here are some tips for eating out safely during pregnancy:
- Choose restaurants that have good hygiene standards. Look for restaurants that have been inspected by the local health department and make sure they are clean and well-maintained. If the restaurant is not clean you should not eat there.
- Avoid raw or undercooked foods, such as sushi, rare steak, or eggs that are not cooked through. Unfortunately, sushi is not safe to eat during pregnancy. It is also important to not eat raw or runny eggs during pregnancy. Choose to have your eggs scrambled or fried with no runny yokes or hardboiled.
- Ask about the ingredients in dishes before ordering them to make sure they don’t contain anything that could harm you or your baby.
- Make sure all meats, fish, and poultry are cooked thoroughly before eating them.
- Avoid unpasteurized dairy products such as soft cheeses like feta, brie, camembert, blue cheese, queso blanco, queso fresco, panela, and queso de hoja.
- Avoid deli meats unless they are heated until steaming hot before serving them to you.
- Ask for dressings and sauces on the side so you can control how much is added to your meal.
- Drink only pasteurized juices and milk products when dining out at restaurants during pregnancy.
List of foods to not eat when pregnant:
- Foods that are not pasteurized– certain types of cheese like soft cheeses, Brie, Blue Cheese, etc.
- Certain types of fish– shark, swordfish, anything high in mercury
- Raw eggs including egg nog, hollandaise sauce, homemade mayonnaise, homemade eggnog, and runny eggs.
- Undercooked meats– lunch meats. Deli meats.
- Hot foods that are not “hot”, avoid hot foods that have been sitting out without a warming source. Same for foods that should be eaten cold. If no ice or refrigeration source is keeping the food cold, take a pass.
- Caffeine– soda, chocolate, and energy drinks. (Limit your caffeine to less than 200 mg a day)
- Herbal Teas (There are so many ingredients in herbal teas so it is best to avoid them simply. Green tea is OK.)
What should I eat every day while pregnant?
To ensure the health of both you and your baby, you should include a variety of nutrient-rich foods in your daily diet.
Protein is necessary for tissue growth and can be found in such sources as meat, poultry, fish, legumes, and eggs.
Furthermore, calcium is needed to build strong bones and teeth during the third trimester when the baby’s skeleton is growing rapidly – 1000 mg is recommended daily from low-fat dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese.
Lastly, Consuming 27mg of Iron each day helps form new blood cells.
