7 Ways to Eat Ethnic Food on a Caloric Budget ...

Filling up on fruit and vegetable-based dishes is one of the best ways to eat ethnic food while still staying calorie-conscious. If you’re at an authentic Middle Eastern restaurant, for instance, take advantage of the flavorful salads of onion, tomato, cucumber, and parsley. Not only is this dish low in calories, but it’s also an antioxidant powerhouse and full of fiber.

A decent portion of protein is reasonable in calories and can also keep you satiated for the rest of the day. Whether you’re indulging in a spicy Ethiopian curry or some lean chicken fajitas, usually most ethnic restaurants have some kind of dish where the meat is grilled, baked, broiled, or braised in a stew. Choose these options first over deep fried or breaded cuts of meat.

Whether it’s the flour tortilla at a South American restaurant or the white rice at an Indian café, refined carbohydrates are the death of eating ethnic food when you’re trying to lose weight and keep your calories in check. Try to steer clear of refined pastas and breads when eating ethnic food. They’ll only create a spike in blood sugar that will leave you feeling hungrier.

Many people love to unwind with a glass of wine or end a sumptuous meal with a lavish dessert. I understand that both options are super tempting. However, it’s best to pick either an alcoholic beverage to enjoy with your meal or a delectable dessert—not both! Both items are loaded with sugar and calories, which your body can easily store as fat.

Many ethnic cuisines use plenty of low fat dairy products in their cuisine. Middle Eastern, Indian, and some Mediterranean cuisines use lots of plain yogurt, which is an excellent source of probiotics, protein, and calcium. Low fat dairy products are fairly low in calories, making them a great choice to fill up on if you’re watching your calories.

Do you like hot and spicy foods? Studies show that regular consumption of hot peppers and spices can raise your metabolism, allowing you to burn more calories! If you’re at a restaurant that offers spicy dishes like curry, don’t be afraid to indulge! These dishes can boost your metabolic rate, helping you burn more fat than you normally would.

So you overdid it and ate that cheesecake AND drank that glass of wine. Sometimes when you get caught up in the moment at an ethnic restaurant, it’s not unusual to go a little overboard. I don’t want you to sacrifice an awesome experience simply because of a few calories. If you really want to try a special dish that you’ll probably eat once in a lifetime, live a little and enjoy it! You can always get back on your regular calorie plan the next day.

Eating ethnic food can be a great change of pace if you’re sticking to a strict calorie requirement. What are some of your favorite healthy ethnic foods to eat that are still within your calorie range?