Italian cuisine is mainly known for being carbohydrate- and dairy-heavy and diet-unfriendly. And even the best disciplined of us have a hard time turning on the amazing scent of garlic bread. But when you plan ahead and choose wisely, you may still enjoy your preferred Italian flavors without the side dish of guilt.
- Start having a smart appetizer to help fill your stomach so you aren't tempted later. A broth-based soup or perhaps a vegetable salad will help give you that full feeling with no added fat and calories of fried calamari or cheese stuffed mushrooms.
- If you cannot subdue the longing, simply ask your wait staff to either not bring the bread basket at all or to at least remove it from the table. Out of sight, out of mind goes quite a distance to avoiding temptation.
- This not having saying, but always bears repeating – avoid anything fried or stuffed. Many Italian dishes are overloaded with breading and cheese and cream.
- There isn't any need to avoid pasta altogether. There are plenty of delicious options which include a tomato-based sauce, plenty of vegetables, and grilled chicken. It'll still have everything flavor but far fewer calories. Or order a grilled fish or chicken entrée and request a small side of pasta.
- If you need to do end up ordering an entire pasta meal, even before you take the first bite, request a to-go container and divide the portion in two.
- Avoid ordering a wine bottle because then there is the strong temptation to finish it. If you wish to indulge, simply order one glass and savor the flavour.
Above all, turn it into a balance. If your favorite dish may be the Caprese salad, pair it having a cup of broth based soup and enjoy.
