According to a dietitian, it is entirely possible to enjoy an Asian restaurant without gaining weight and even promoting weight loss, provided you choose your dishes carefully.
Eating at an Asian restaurant often rhymes with pleasure, but also with a certain apprehension when you watch your weight. Between fried foods, sweet and savory sauces and generous portions of rice, the calorie addition can quickly add up. However, for Reema Pillai, dietician, it is absolutely not necessary to deprive yourself to stay in balance. Everything is based on strategic choices and a more conscious approach to the menu.
According to the nutrition specialist, the key is to first favor dishes that are naturally rich in protein and minimally processed. Raw fish, such as salmon or tuna in sashimi, is an excellent option. It provides quality proteins and interesting fatty acids, while being very filling. Edamame or steamed Asian dumplings also make good starters, as they help satisfy hunger without excess fat, unlike the fried versions often offered at the start of a meal.
For the main course, Reema Pillai recommends sticking to simple and balanced combinations. A few sushi rolls, accompanied by seaweed or supplemented with sashimi, allow you to limit the quantity of rice while still taking full advantage of the flavors. However, she draws attention to sauces, often high in salt and sugar, which are best consumed sparingly or asked separately. Dishes topped with teriyaki sauce or Japanese mayonnaise should be reserved for exceptional occasions.
The dietician also emphasizes the value of sharing at restaurants. Ordering several dishes to share allows you to taste everything without exceeding your real needs. As for drinks, water remains the best ally to accompany the meal and avoid unnecessary calories linked to sodas or sugary alcohols.
As for dessert, Reema Pillai wants to relieve her guilt. Indulging yourself remains compatible with a stable weight goal, provided you listen to your feelings and adapt the rest of the meal. Slightly reducing salty portions can allow you to enjoy a dessert without excess or frustration.
In the end, eating Asian in a restaurant is not the enemy of the line. By focusing on raw products, simple cooking and a little moderation on sauces and fried foods, it becomes possible to combine pleasure, conviviality and a balanced diet. A reassuring approach, which reminds us that consistency matters much more than perfection.
