When you think of an Indian takeaway, it is likely that you will
conjure up the image of a greasy curry being eaten in a hurry. This will
then be followed by the obligatory pangs of guilt and cries of 'why did
I eat SO much?' However - this doesn't always have to be the case!
Indian cuisine is there to be enjoyed and as with any cuisine, there will be healthy options and unhealthy options. Finding the right balance is important no matter which type of food you are eating. If you are one of the more health conscious among us, you may be keen to hear our recommendations for healthier Indian cuisine options.
Our top tips to enjoy Indian takeaway, the healthier way, include:
Avoiding Fried Dishes
Deep fried dishes, such as Indian starters like bhajis, pakoras and samosas will be high in calories due to the frying cooking method which they are subjected to. When health is in mind, deep fried dishes are best avoided! If you want to be extra good, skip starters altogether and head straight for the main!
Swapping Creamy Curries For Tomato Based Alternatives
Creamy curries such as Korma and Masala are laden with calories due to the use of ingredients such as cream, coconut milk and nuts. Swap cream based options for tomato based curries or go a step further and opt for fibre rich lentil curries such as Dansak.
Chapattis vs Nan Bread
When it comes to choosing between chapattis and nan bread, chapattis lead the way from a calorie saving perspective. Of course, when you are trying to minimise your calorie intake, accompanying breads are best avoided altogether. However if you need to satisfy your need for Indian bread, opt for wheat based chapattis.
Banishing Oil & Opting For Tandoori Dishes
Dry tandoori dishes, such as famed chicken Tikka and Shashlick, are cooked in the tandoor without oil. These dishes can offer a considerable calorie saving in comparison with sauce based curries.
Turning Up The Spice
Be brave and go for something a little spicier than normal. If a dish gets you hot under the collar, chances are that you will eat more slowly and start to feel full sooner. This comes with the added bonus of potentially eating less and saving any additional calorie intake.
Choosing Leaner Meats
Chicken and seafood based dishes are lower in calories than beef or lamb options. Simply opting for a different meat can help reduce your calorie and saturated fat intake. Going a step further and selecting a vegetarian option is likely to offer further calorie reductions for your meal.
Choosing Your Rice Wisely
Boiled rice, whilst perhaps not as exciting as colourful pilau or egg fried menu items, is a far healthier choice. Boiled rice will help you to avoid any additional oil intake.
Avoiding Chutneys
When it comes to chutneys and dips, raita is a healthier yoghurt based option in comparison to sweet, sugary chutneys such as mango chutney.
Staying Off The Booze
For many, having a curry goes hand in hand with a glass of nice cold beer or lager. Whilst this may complement your meal, it leads to additional calorie intake and bloating. Instead, drink something non-carbonated, such as a juice or even water.
Indian cuisine is there to be enjoyed and as with any cuisine, there will be healthy options and unhealthy options. Finding the right balance is important no matter which type of food you are eating. If you are one of the more health conscious among us, you may be keen to hear our recommendations for healthier Indian cuisine options.
Our top tips to enjoy Indian takeaway, the healthier way, include:
Avoiding Fried Dishes
Deep fried dishes, such as Indian starters like bhajis, pakoras and samosas will be high in calories due to the frying cooking method which they are subjected to. When health is in mind, deep fried dishes are best avoided! If you want to be extra good, skip starters altogether and head straight for the main!
Swapping Creamy Curries For Tomato Based Alternatives
Creamy curries such as Korma and Masala are laden with calories due to the use of ingredients such as cream, coconut milk and nuts. Swap cream based options for tomato based curries or go a step further and opt for fibre rich lentil curries such as Dansak.
Chapattis vs Nan Bread
When it comes to choosing between chapattis and nan bread, chapattis lead the way from a calorie saving perspective. Of course, when you are trying to minimise your calorie intake, accompanying breads are best avoided altogether. However if you need to satisfy your need for Indian bread, opt for wheat based chapattis.
Banishing Oil & Opting For Tandoori Dishes
Dry tandoori dishes, such as famed chicken Tikka and Shashlick, are cooked in the tandoor without oil. These dishes can offer a considerable calorie saving in comparison with sauce based curries.
Turning Up The Spice
Be brave and go for something a little spicier than normal. If a dish gets you hot under the collar, chances are that you will eat more slowly and start to feel full sooner. This comes with the added bonus of potentially eating less and saving any additional calorie intake.
Choosing Leaner Meats
Chicken and seafood based dishes are lower in calories than beef or lamb options. Simply opting for a different meat can help reduce your calorie and saturated fat intake. Going a step further and selecting a vegetarian option is likely to offer further calorie reductions for your meal.
Choosing Your Rice Wisely
Boiled rice, whilst perhaps not as exciting as colourful pilau or egg fried menu items, is a far healthier choice. Boiled rice will help you to avoid any additional oil intake.
Avoiding Chutneys
When it comes to chutneys and dips, raita is a healthier yoghurt based option in comparison to sweet, sugary chutneys such as mango chutney.
Staying Off The Booze
For many, having a curry goes hand in hand with a glass of nice cold beer or lager. Whilst this may complement your meal, it leads to additional calorie intake and bloating. Instead, drink something non-carbonated, such as a juice or even water.
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