Eat out the diet-savvy way
Wednesday 27 May 2009
Any seasoned dieter will tell you that depriving yourself of everything you like to eat is one of the most common diet traps and often results in over-eating to compensate for a craving.
We like to think that a little of what you fancy is good for you, and who wants to miss out on all the fun when you're friends are inviting you for a meal out?
Luckily for us, a few of our favourite restaurant chains have really stepped up their game with 'ladies who lunch and watch calories' in mind and added delicious healthy options to their menus. We have hand-picked some of the tastiest options for you if you don’t want to give up eating out!
Nando’s have added a range of wraps to their menu, which are lower in calories without skimping on the taste factor. You get strips of their amazing peri-peri chicken, plus a healthy dose of salad greens to add a bit of crunch. Get corn-on-the-cob as your side, and you'll be full as well as satisfied. You could also indulge in their famous frozen yoghurt – it’s fat-free and we genuinely think it tastes better than vanilla ice cream!
At the Gourmet Burger Kitchen, there’s the option to 'build your own burger', with a range of sauces, toppings and vegetables to add to your regular burger order - perfect if you’re worried about added cheese or sauce adding on calories. It’s also handy if you’re dining with a fussy eater! If you’re vegetarian or looking to supplement your five-a-day, GBK offer some amazing veggie burgers, including puy lentil or butternut squash, as well as a range of salads.
If you’re after some Italian food, there’s always Pizza Express' new Leggera range - pizzas with the middle cut out and a salad put in its place. Each Leggera pizza contains approximately 500 calories, and counts as one of your five a day – two things you’d never usually associate with pizza!
If you eat out locally, there are still ways to ensure that your meal isn't completely laden with calories. If you order a chicken korma, ask for it to be made with yoghurt instead of cream.
Chinese food fiends should request boiled rice instead of fried. And if you fancy pasta, pick a tomato-based sauce instead of the cream-based variety.
Simple, common-sense decisions will mean you can still enjoy your favourite foods without having to give them up altogether.
By Amy Bangs