
Have you ever gone out to eat with the best intentions of sticking to your weight loss plan-until you see the mouth-watering entrée being carried across the dining room by your waitress? Alternatively, maybe you had enough willpower to order a green salad (with dressing on the side) from your favorite Italian restaurant but somehow feel disappointed by your culinary experience? Does this sound like you? If so, you are not alone, many people struggle to make low-calorie and nutritious choices when dining out.
What if you could have the best of both worlds- incredible taste and calorie control all-in-one meal? Well… it is possible if you are dining at a Vietnamese restaurant! This style of cuisine differs from other Asian cookery because it uses less fat, more vegetables and a variety of flavorful herbs and spices.
In traditional Vietnamese cooking, meat is not the focal point of the meal. Instead, the emphasis is on herbs, vegetables and rice/rice noodles. Smaller portions of meat mean less calories and saturated fat. In addition, large pots such as woks require a substantial amount of fat to fry foods, but the Vietnamese use smaller pots, reducing the need to use as much fats and oils.
Vietnamese cuisine obtains its distinctive identity from flavor combinations of garlic, chilies, lime juice, vinegar, sugar and fish sauce. Cilantro and red chilies are also used frequently and both are believed to have cardio-protective benefits. Dipping sauces are also integral to this cuisine, allowing you to have more calorie control over your food and personalize it to your own palate.
You can get your Vietnamese fix at the following Philadelphia locations: Saigon Restaurant, Vietnam Café and Vietnam Restaurant. If you are seeking, low-calorie options make sure to try some Pho (noodle soup) and spring rolls (wrapped in rice paper). As with any cuisine, avoid overeating and limit fried and creamy foods (such as curry) to save yourself some calories.