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Question by Lucy: What is the best thing to order in a restaurant if I’m on a diet?
I’m going to an Italian restaurant for a birthday meal and I have been dieting for some time and don’t want to ruin my hard work. I don’t want to order something like a salad but I know pizza would have too many calories. I was thinking about ordering penne napolé (tomato pasta) – what do you think?
Best answer:
Answer by brian
starve yourself
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Topped w/ shrimp, Thai beef or a simple tomato sauce, angel hair pasta is the beginning of an ultraquick dinner: http://t.co/zX8P6k78rp – by fandw (Food & Wine magazine)
grilled tomato pasta – 02
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daily photo 108-b: grilled tomato pasta
pasta is good choice, but there is a lot of carbohydrates in it. the best choice is the salads if you are dieting.
Pasta has a lot of carbs in it. Salad would really be your best option. Either a grilled chicken salad or smoked salmon. Fish is low in calories so you could order maybe hake or salmon with veggies.
I agree with Chiara.
Pasta would definitely have less calories than a pizza, so that is a good decision by you.
Also, a tomato-based pasta sauce would have much less calories than a cream-based pasta sauce – another good choice!
If they did a sauce that had chicken and tomato, that wouldn’t add too many more calories if you wanted to eat that.
You seem to know pretty well what is a good thing for you to eat and what isn’t, so trust your own judgement. I understand that you don’t want to ruin what you have achieved, but sometimes a special treat can help keep you motivated. If you wanted to go for that as a reward, don’t beat yourself up about it.
Other than that – have a good time!
Most places have a diet menu, but if it doesn’t then you can try a few of the things listed here out. Also, salads can end up being worse than other things if you use a lot of dressing.
Capellini Pomodoro -Roma tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil and extra-virgin olive oil tossed with capellini.
Venetian Apricot Chicken- Grilled chicken breasts in an apricot citrus sauce.
Linguine alla Marinara- Pasta with a blend of ripe tomatoes, onions and herbs.
Shrimp Primavera -Shrimp, bell peppers, onions and mushrooms in arrabbiata sauce over penne.
Grilled Chicken Spiedini- Chicken marinated in Italian herbs and extra-virgin olive oil.
Minestrone- Fresh vegetables, beans and pasta in a light tomato broth.
i would order a thin crust pizza………..with some colourful red peppers ,olive and capsicum,garden fresh!
Best bet is to avoid the pasta or pizza entirely – unless you really want it (Is this your birthday?) sometimes its good to just have your diet busters only when you go out. And only if it is something they do really well. Add some additional exercise earlier and make sure you aren’t too hungry or thirsty. Keep it to just one glass of wine, or skip it altogether.
Otherwise something simple without the cream sauce – shrimp, fish, chicken, even veal with a fresh tomato sauce and vegetables is a good choice. Sometimes I do advance research – check their website if they have one. Or call them in the afternoon when the chef is not busy – they can advise you. Avoid fried – as eggplant and calamari typically are. (they will just make you feel soggy anyway)
Another strategy is to share dishes with someone else – maybe share a super healthy dish and a pasta. Start with a dinner salad and ask for oil and vinegar on the side – very Italian. Avoid the bread. Especially if you are doing the pasta.
And enjoy yourself! This is life.
If you order pasta, try to get wheat pasta with a red sauce. Don’t get pesto or creamy sauces, as they tend to have a lot more fat in them. Don’t order copious amounts of cheese with your meal, either. Fill up on veggies such as broccoli or asparagus and they will fill you up quickly without the calories.
And don’t forget that you don’t have to eat all that you are served – you can take some of it home (e.g. half a pizza.)
Pizza or pasta is not a good choice unless you are going to do the marathon after dinner. Your best bet is soup and salad. Non creamy soup and non-creamy salad dressing. Minestrone is probably your best bet. z
Yes your choice seems like a good one.