Has it ever happened to you that whenever you try to start a diet, your friends and family take you out for dinner? Well, you’re not alone. Starting a diet isn’t as simple as it sounds, especially when you have foodies around you.
However, just because you’re on a diet doesn’t mean you have to stay away from your food-loving friends. You can still lose some weight while eating out. All you need to know is what you can order and what you can't from the restaurants or takeaway near you.
In this article, we will help you select low-calorie, delicious dishes to order in a restaurant.
Dishes to Order When You’re On a Diet
We’ve selected seven dishes here that you can enjoy in a restaurant without worrying about your weight. Whether you’re an Indian food fan or love Thai food, you will find something here for you.
Chicken Tandoori
If you think diet and tasty foods can’t go together, you need to try chicken tandoori. Made with chicken marinated in spices and yoghurt, this classic dish is full of flavour and an excellent way to get some protein in your meal.
The dish is cooked in a clay pot with any heavy sauce in it. While chicken itself is a good source of lean protein, the use of yoghurt and spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander makes it even healthier.
We highly recommend you pair this dish with brown rice for more fibre and nutrients in your meal.
Raita
This is a protein powerhouse and one of the best side dishes to try with tandoori and kebab dishes. Raita is prepared with yoghurt, cucumber, and various herbs and spices.
Although raita can be made with various other vegetables, the most common one you can find in a restaurant is the cucumber one. This yoghurt dip is a good source of probiotics, which is quite beneficial for your heart, bone, and gastronomical health. Besides, the vitamin C in cucumber can help you lose weight.
Chana Masala
Worried about your heart or managing diabetes? There’s nothing to worry about as this flavourful dish has got your back with its high protein and low-calorie goodness.
Chana masala is a delightful blend of chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, and an array of aromatic spices. It tantalises the taste buds and packs a punch in the health department.
Chickpeas are amazing plant-based protein source that is also beneficial for heart health. Whether paired with rice or whole wheat roti, this dish is delicious in every way. Its low-calorie count and high fibre content make it a guilt-free pleasure, perfect for those watching their waistlines.
Meatballs and Salad
This suggestion might surprise you, as you know meatballs are fried and considered unhealthy. While this popular Italian dish is typically fried to perfection and served with pasta dishes, you can also enjoy a healthier version of it.
While placing an order, ask the waiter if it can be baked instead of fried. Also, it’s best to order the meatballs without pasta and pair it with salad or vegetables instead.
No-buns Burger
A burger without buns? While it sounds impossible, this is something even Queen Elizabeth II loved to eat, and it’s called the “Ma'amburger.” This is a healthy version of the classic burger, served without the buns, wrapped in lettuce, and with some salad and sweet potatoes as a side dish.
With this burger, you can enjoy a protein-packed dish while avoiding the calories.
Green papaya Salad
Who said salads have to be bland and without taste? This popular Thai salad is one of the staple appetisers in most restaurants. It comes with a tangy and spicy flavour that will surely satisfy your taste buds while providing nutrients.
As the name suggests, this salad is prepared with papaya, beans, different fresh vegetables, Thai chillies, and peanuts. The dish alone provides a significant amount of protein and minerals.
Besides, papaya is a good source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant responsible for damaged cell repair in your body.
Chicken Fajitas
Your next trip to your favourite Mexican restaurant shouldn’t have to be full of unhealthy choices and cheese-drenched. We recommend you try the chicken fajitas, which have the right amount of calories.
It contains chicken and grilled vegetables, making it a good source of protein and vitamins. Pairing it with a small bowl of beans or salsa can make it even healthier.
Wrapping Up
Balancing your social life with your healthy eating choices may look impossible sometimes, considering how unhealthy outside food can be. However, you can always make a healthy choice by cutting the calories from your meal.
The abovementioned items are some of the healthy dishes that can help you maintain your weight while socialising with your friends. However, if you go to a restaurant and the menu doesn’t contain any dish from our suggestion, just ask the waiter to suggest a dish with high protein and low carbs. By doing so, you will be able to enjoy a dish that’s healthy and delicious at the same time.
And if you’re impressed by their suggestions, do not forget to show your appreciation by nominating them for the upcoming Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA), also known as the Oscar of The Curry Industry. To find out more, visit artauk.com.
